Coronavirus contact tracer 'paid to watch Netflix' - BBC News

A contact tracer working on the NHS Test and Trace coronavirus scheme says she has not been asked to speak to anyone since beginning work last week.

The government said this does not reflect the amount of work under way.

It came as Channel 4 News reported data showing 4,456 confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported to the Test and Trace scheme between 28 May, when it launched, and 31 May.

The data - described by the government as "outdated" - showed those confirmed cases passed on 4,634 contacts, but Channel 4 reported just 1,749 of these have been contacted by tracers.

He told Victoria Derbyshire the Test and Trace system was unlikely to be picking up more than 30% of coronavirus cases and may be missing at least two-thirds of contacts.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Boris Johnson pledged a new 24-hour target for test results, except for tests delivered by post.

The pledge followed comments by former health secretary Jeremy Hunt who said the quick turnaround of test results was crucial for the Test and Trace scheme to be effective.

The NHS Test and Trace scheme in England is intended to map a person's networks and close contacts once they have received a positive coronavirus diagnosis.

One NHS job advert for a clinical contact tracer stated the role paid up to £27.15 per hour and described suitable applicants as nurses, dentists or vets, among others.

Scotland's system is called NHS Test and Protect while in Wales it is "test, trace, protect"?

Becky - who said nursing was a vocation - described her experience with Test and Trace as "frustrating".

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "The new NHS Test and Trace service is up and running and will help save lives?

"Anyone in this country can book a test and we have over 25,000 contact tracers in place to undertake this vital work

Have you been hired as a contact tracer