England’s Test and Trace system can’t get in touch with thousands of at-risk contacts

The tracing system has been unable to contact 15 per cent (4,809 people) of the contacts given by those infected with the virus. (Credit: Shutterstock)

A third of people in England who tested positive for coronavirus at the end of May could not be contacted through the new NHS Test and Trace system.

The issue has arisen due to a third of those who are infected with the virus not providing contact details. Incorrect contact details and ignored calls are other factors also at play.

Addressing the possibility of non-compliance with the scheme, Health Secretary Matt Hancock appealed to the public, saying, "Please do it to protect your loved ones, do it to protect your community, do it to protect the nation and do it to protect the NHS."

What is the contact tracing system?

Contact tracing is a system built to control the spread of coronavirus by asking those who have tested positive for the virus to provide information about those they have been closer than two metres from.

The process starts with those showing symptoms getting a test.

Anyone who tests positive for the virus, will be connected by tracers by text, email or telephone.

Those who tested positive will be asked to log on to the NHS Test and Trace website to submit identification information and contact details of those they have been in close contact with.

These close contacts will then be contacted in the same manner and told to self isolate by remaining at home for 14 days - whether they have symptoms of the virus or not.

In April,