Wiltshire's test and trace service is now live - and residents are encouraged to save the number contact tracers will be calling from.

The local system which launches today will step in to contact positive cases that the national test and trace programme could not reach.

People who contracted the virus will initially get a text message followed up by a call from the following number: 0300 4560100.

Residents are urged to save it on their phone so they immediately recognise it.

In a media briefing on Tuesday November 17, Kate Blackburn, director of public health for Wiltshire, said: “The local service will support the national NHS Test and Trace service so we’ll step in should the national team be unable to reach the person in Wiltshire who’s tested positive for Covid-19.

“At the moment, about 75 per cent of people get followed up by the national system in Wiltshire. The Chief Medical Officer has always said that really it needs to be 80 per cent and over to make a real difference so we’re really pleased to be able to now have this enhancement locally to be able to bring that percentage up.”

Thirteen public health staff will be involved with the local test and trace to start with.

However, that number will be kept under review as cases rise as a result of mass testing, Ms Blackburn said.