A new Covid-19 contact tracing service will be set up by Buckinghamshire Council amid a continued falling in the success of the national system.

The new tracking service will be launched on November 30 and will aim to contact people that the national service is unable to reach.

Just 61.2 per cent of close contacts were reached in the latest week to November 18 - the latest data available – a figure that has fallen steadily over an eight-week period.

READ MORE - Covid contact tracing performance drops for eighth week in Bucks

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 may receive a phone call from the phone number 01296 585 167.

The call handlers will then request details of their close contacts so these can be followed up by the NHS Test and Trace team.

READ MORE - 99 more coronavirus cases diagnosed in Bucks in the last day

Where Buckinghamshire call handlers are still unable to make contact, trained staff will visit people at home and deliver letters explaining why the council is trying to get in touch.

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said “Our local contact tracing service provides another layer of support to help control COVID-19 in Buckinghamshire.

"If we contact you, a locally based person will be on the other end of the phone.

"They will talk to you about what you need to do to protect your friends and family whilst isolating, and about what support is available nearby.

"The overall aim is simple – to limit the transmission of COVID-19.

"By isolating when you have symptoms, getting a test, picking up the phone when we call and providing details of your close contacts, we will give ourselves an even better chance to stop the spread.