Message from Shellina Prendergast, KCC Cabinet Member 

Kent County Council is on the frontline of the response to the virus and has stepped up to the challenge of maintaining core services, while focussing on supporting the most vulnerable people in Kent. We have done this by working hand in hand with district and borough councils and an army of incredible volunteers in every part of the county.

I want to thank all the dedicated staff in the NHS, in local authorities and across the public, community and voluntary sectors who continue to deliver vital services through such challenging times. But equally, I also want to thank everyone who, by following the government’s instructions, is helping to control the spread of Covid-19 in Kent.
Shellina Prendergast, KCC Cabinet Member for Communications, Engagement and People

What you need to know about NHS Test and Trace

If you have tested positive for coronavirus, you will either receive a call, text, or email from NHS Test and Trace with instructions on how to share details of people you have been in close recent contact with. If you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you will be contacted in the same ways and asked about symptoms

When contacted by NHS Test and Trace service they will:

• Call you from 0300 013 5000.
• Send you text messages from ‘NHS’.
• Ask for your name and date of birth to confirm your identity
• Ask for your postcode to offer support while self-isolating.
• Ask if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms.
• Provide advice on what you must do, as you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Be alert to potential scammers. NHS Test and Trace will  NEVER:

• Ask you to make a payment of any kind.
• Ask you for any details about your bank account.
• Ask you for passwords or PIN numbers.
• Ask you to download anything

Criminals can fake the number they call from making it look as if it is the 0300 013 5000 – if you do not feel comfortable talking on the phone, or suspect the call to be a scam, ask for an email or a text to use the Test and Trace web site instead. From this email or text message, you should only ever be directed to this web address: contact-tracing.phe.gov.u

Check the link is real by looking in the address bar near the top of your web browser — it should have a small padlock symbol next to it, indicating that the website connection is secure. If you see a different address or there is no padlock symbol, it is likely to be a fake website.

Support for Kent’s most vulnerable residents

Kent Together supports our most vulnerable residents with things like shopping for food and general supplies, collection of prescriptions, dog walking, putting out the bins or phoning, Skyping or Facetiming to see a friendly face.

Request help online or call 03000 41 92 92 (Open 24/7)
(Text Relay 18001 03000 41 92 92. D/deaf BSL users can text KCC’s Sensory Services team on 07920 154 315 to make a request

How you can help

Support for voluntary groups and individuals is being offered by district and borough councils across Kent communities. Find out more about volunteering.

You could become a Digital Community Safety Volunteer and help share vital messages with your community on social media. This will help protect them and others, especially at this time when everyone is more vulnerable and isolated. If you are interested in becoming a Digital Community Safety Volunteer please apply here.

Of course, the most important way we can all help prevent the spread of coronavirus is to follow the government’s instructions on staying alert and safe (social distancing)

Schools and education

Schools and other educational settings are closed for most children. Our education questions and answers on how this is affecting schools in Kent provides some helpful local information to supplement the government’s information for parents and carers.  

Take care of yourself and your family

We understand that COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created uncertainty and anxiety, the constant news can feel overwhelming.  We are adjusting to a different way of life, the anxiety is natural, and we are all feeling it. Fortunately, there are things we can do to protect our mental health and support the wellbeing of our friends and family.

We also need to be honest with children and young people about the situation but also be sensitive not to worry them too much. There is lots of information and advice available to help deal with children and young people’s worries. Here are a few guides that may help.