The long awaited NHS COVID-19 mobile app has been launched today (Thursday 24th September), in an effort to help control the transmission of the virus. And the UK government is urging people across England and Wales to: ‘Protect your loved ones. Get the app.’
The app is available on the Apple and Google platforms for anyone over 16 and forms a central part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England and the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme.
Key features of the app include:
- Anonymised contact tracing using Bluetooth – your app will inform you if you have been close to someone who has added a positive test result in their app, asking you to self-isolate for 14 days;
- Risk alerts based on postcode districts – if the risk level changes in your area, the app will inform you, linking you to appropriate advice and guidelines;
- QR scan check-in at venues – it is now a legal requirement for certain businesses to log customers to help Test and Trace. QR scanning will make this easier for customers and businesses;
- Symptom checker and test booking;
- Links to latest official advice and guidelines.
The contact tracing element of the app works by using low-energy Bluetooth to log 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. It will also enable you to check symptoms, book a free test if needed and get your test results.
DOWNLOAD the app: APPLE • GOOGLE • Find out more at covid19.nhs.uk
The app has been designed with user privacy in mind, so it tracks the virus, not people and uses the latest in data security technology to protect privacy. The system generates a random ID for an individual’s device, which can be exchanged between devices via Bluetooth (not GPS). These unique random IDs regenerate frequently to add an extra layer of security and preserve anonymity.
The app does not hold personal information such as your name, address or date of birth, and only requires the first half of your postcode to ensure local outbreaks can be managed. No personal data is shared with the government or the NHS.
UK government Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are at a tipping point in our efforts to control the spread of this virus. With infection rates rising we must use every tool at our disposal to prevent transmission, including the latest technology.
“We have worked extensively with tech companies, international partners, and privacy and medical experts – and learned from the trials – to develop an app that is secure, simple to use and will help keep our country safe.
“Today’s launch marks an important step forward in our fight against this invisible killer and I urge everyone who can to download and use the app to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
The NHS Test and Trace team behind the app has worked closely with major tech companies, including Google and Apple, scientists within the Alan Turing Institute and Oxford University, Zuhlke Engineering, medical experts, privacy groups, at-risk communities and teams in countries across the world using similar apps – such as Germany, to develop an app that is safe, simple and secure.
The app has been through successful trials in the Isle of Wight, Newham and among NHS volunteer responders. Lessons learned have informed the final version that is launching today.
DOWNLOAD the app: APPLE • GOOGLE • Find out more at covid19.nhs.uk
Dido Harding, Executive Chair of England’s NHS Test and Trace Programme, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to engage with England’s NHS Test and Trace service. The NHS COVID-19 app enables the majority of people with a smartphone to find out if they are at risk of having caught the virus and need to self isolate, order a test if they have symptoms, and access the right guidance and advice.
“The features of this app, including QR code check-in at venues, work alongside our traditional contact tracing service and will help us to reach more people quickly in their communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“This is a welcome step in protecting those around us.”
Simon Thompson, Managing Director of the NHS COVID-19 App, said: “We have worked tirelessly to develop the new NHS COVID-19 app and we are incredibly grateful to all residents of the Isle of Wight, London borough of Newham, and NHS volunteer responders, the learnings and insight have made the app what it is today. We are now ready to roll-out the app across England and Wales.
“This new version is so much more than just a contact tracing app – it has a range of features which will quickly alert you if you’re at risk of coronavirus. The more people who use it, the better it works.
“We are confident that every person who downloads the app will be helping to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
In a joint statement Apple and Google said: “We built the exposure notifications system to enable public health authorities in their efforts to develop apps to help reduce the spread of the virus while ensuring people can trust in the privacy-preserving design. We are committed to supporting the government’s effort to launch an app based on this technology.”
Hamish MacLeod, Director at Mobile UK, said: “The mobile industry welcomes the opportunity to support the government’s efforts to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic by zero-rating access to the new NHS COVID-19 app. Customers can be reassured that all in-app activity will not come out of their data allowance.”
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The NHS COVID-19 app is a great addition to the safety measures already being put in by retailers. We hope it provides extra reassurance for customers and their families all across the country.”
DOWNLOAD the app: APPLE • GOOGLE • Find out more at covid19.nhs.uk
