12 million people have now downloaded the new NHS COVID-19 app. The app forms a central part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England and the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme.
I recommend that all constituents download the new app if they can, which has now launched across England and Wales following rigorous testing and successful trials.
The NHS Covid-19 app will alert users if they have been close to someone who later tests positive for coronavirus, as well as providing risk alerts based on a user’s postcode, allow users to scan QR codes to check in at venues on the app and allow people to book tests, if they have symptoms.
The app works by logging the amount of time you spend near other app users, and the distance between you, so it can alert you if someone you have been close to later tests positive for Covid-19 – even if you don’t know each other. The app will advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case.
The UK’s major mobile network operators, including Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, Sky and Virgin, have confirmed that all in-app activity will not come out of customers’ data allowance.
Businesses are now required by law to display NHS Test and Trace QR code posters so customers with the NHS Covid-19 app can use it to check-in to venues. So far, more than 90,000 businesses have already downloaded QR codes. If you cannot download the app, you can still simply give your details instead.
Find out more about this here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-covid-19-app-launches-across-england-and-wales
