Leicestershire will be at the forefront of the Government’s new trace and test service

“We see this as a very positive step forward for local people as we continue to support the fight against Covid-19," said Cllr Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Leicestershire County Council is to help spearhead the national battle to combat the spread of Covid-19.

The authority has been chosen alongside Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council to “lead work and share best practice” on the Government’s new trace and test service.

The announcement has been made by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Leicestershire County Council is to help spearhead the national battle to combat the spread of Covid-19.Leicestershire County Council is to help spearhead the national battle to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Leicestershire County Council is to help spearhead the national battle to combat the spread of Covid-19.

The three councils say they are now awaiting further details from the Government about the service - and the role which they will play.

Cllr Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “We see this as a very positive step forward for local people as we continue to support the fight against Covid-19.

"The work we’ll engage in will give our public health officers a greater opportunity to ensure their work supports the need of our communities.”

Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, said: “The city and county council are ideally placed to do this as we cover an area of varied demographics and have a good record of working together.”

The county council has just been handed £6.6 million to support care home providers to stop the highly-infectious coronavirus spreading.

The authority is now set to receive extra funding to “support their role in the trace and test service”.