The NHS Test and Trace service aims to ensure that people who develop coronavirus are tested and that the spread of the disease is reduced.
People who have had close contact with someone who has a positive coronavirus test result will be identified and asked to self-isolate to protect others within the community.
When there are cases linked by time and place, NHS Test and Trace will notify Public Health England London Coronavirus Response Cell (PHE LCRC) through their escalation processes to deal with complex cases or outbreaks.
PHE LCRC will work with the City and Hackney Public Health Team when there are local outbreaks, or other high risk situations.
Download the NHS COVID-19 app today
The free NHS COVID-19 app is a vital part of the NHS Test and Trace service.
Get tested if you don’t have symptoms – book a rapid test
If you need to leave your home to work or volunteer and don’t have Covid-19 symptoms, you can get a rapid test.
You’ll get the result on the same day and the tests are available to anyone who needs to leave their home for work or volunteering, including critical workers, carers, tradespeople and essential retail workers.
We encourage frequent testing if you’re unable to work from home.
If you’re in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, don’t book a rapid test, self-isolate for 10 days in line with the government guidance.
If you're exempt from wearing a mask don't book a rapid test
If you’re exempt from wearing a mask please book a home test kit – choose: ‘My local council or health protection team has asked me (or someone I live with) to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms’.
This is the safest testing option for you. Please don’t book a rapid test.
Book a rapid Covid-19 test
Appointments must be booked in advance.
1 in 3 people with Covid-19 can spread the virus without having symptoms. To protect the NHS and keep you, your family and community safe test regularly with rapid tests, a minimum of once a week and ideally once every 3 days.
The household isolation rules do not apply to anyone who needs to leave home to escape harm and seek help.
If someone is hurting you at home, you don’t have to suffer in silence. See what help is available.
Call 999 in emergencies. If it’s unsafe for you to speak aloud, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted to make a silent phone call to the police.
Housing tenants support
We’ve put together information and advice on the types of available housing support, including financial support, maintenance support and what to do if you have a pre-paid meter and can’t leave your home.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your home or treatment from your landlord, let us know.
Employment support
If your income or job has been affected, you can seek support through our Hackney Works employment service. Our specialist team can help you to find work or training, as well as offer advice on interviews and CV writing.
You can contact the team on hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk or 020 8356 5700, or see the latest roles – including new temporary roles being created during the pandemic
We’ve created an easy to use find support service map that displays voluntary and community organisations offering help to Hackney’s diverse community, especially to those who are affected.
Support for clinically extremely vulnerable residents
This information is for residents who have been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable. If you are in this group, you will previously have received a letter from the NHS or from your GP telling you this. You may have been advised to shield in the past.
We recognise it may be a confusing or unsettling time. If you would like to speak to someone about what support is available now, or for help planning for the coming months, call us on 020 8356 3111.