A new report published by Bromley’s Public Health body has revealed the warning signs the authority would act on in a bid to stem local outbreaks of coronavirus around the borough in the future.

Bromley Public Health published it’s Local Covid-19 Outbreak Control Plan earlier this week, with the document outlining how the council will work with the government, Public Health England and local organisations to help mitigate the risks of a Covid-19 spike in the borough.

The plans show what instances would trigger a flurry of action from the the local authority and its partnering bodies.

Major events – such as the death of a child from Covid-19, or an outbreak linked to a public event or building in the borough – would see the issue escalated to health bodies such as the Bromley Strategic Response Group and the Health Protection Covid Board.

Both those bodies would spin into action with actions to mitigate an outbreak – which could include swift mobile or local testing, readying the local NHS for an influx of patients, while the council would also work to provide timely updates to residents.

Councillor Diane Smith, Executive Member for Adult Care and Health said the plan would help the authority tackle any spikes recorded in the borough.

“We hope we will not need it, but it makes sense to have a plan in place should we be unfortunate to experience significant increases in cases in the borough,” Cllr Smith said.

“I applaud most residents for the way they have responded so far during the Covid-19 emergency and hope we can all continue to play our part and keep our distance where possible to help prevent new outbreaks of Covid-19. Lives may well depend on it.”

Dr Nada Lemic, the director of Public Health for Bromley, said it was important measures put in place during the pandemic continued to be adhered to as many facets of society slowly emerge from lockdown restrictions.

News Shopper: Examples of the instances which would prompt action from public health bodies in the borough, as outlined in the plan.Examples of the instances which would prompt action from public health bodies in the borough, as outlined in the plan.

“As we move closer to some sort of normality and our high streets welcome us back again, it is important we continue with the Covid-19 advice that is still in place,” Dr Lemic said.

“By social distancing, practising good hygiene and following the guidance on face coverings, we can all play our part in curbing the further spread of this virus, which at present, appears to spread very easily.

The council also issued a renewed warning that the NHS Test and Trace will never ask for bank details or payments; details of other accounts; passwords or PIN numbers; and will not ask you to call a premium rate number such as those starting with 09 or 087.

If you think you are the target of a scam of any sort, Bromley Council’s trading standards rapid response number can be contacted on 07903 852090.

Residents developing symptoms of Covid-19 can get a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.