Henry Smith
MP has called on people in Crawley to download the new NHS COVID-19 app, 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.
Henry said;
“Recent days have been a stark reminder of the threat that coronavirus still poses to our community. The new NHS COVID-19 app will be an important tool for helping to reduce the spread of the virus.
“I urge everyone in Crawley who can to download this new app as soon as possible, to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“Of course, it’s vital that we all continue to follow those golden rules of Hands, Face, Space, and that people self-isolate when told to do so.”
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 do not 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.
The app has
been through successful trials in the Isle of Wight, Newham and among NHS
Volunteer Responders and lessons learned have informed the final version that
is launching today.
The Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, 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 (24th Sept) 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.”