Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, has called on residents across the city to download the new NHS Covid-19 app, which has now launched in England and Wales following rigorous testing and successful trials.
The app will alert users if they have been close to someone who later tests positive for coronavirus, as well as provide 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 people spend near other app users, and the distance between them, so it can alert them if someone they have been close to later tests positive for Covid-19 – even if they don’t know each other. The app will advise people to self-isolate if they 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. Venues in Wales that are legally required to collect and keep a record of visitors will still need to do so.
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 launched today (24th September).
Jane said: “The new restrictions in Wolverhampton combined with the national restrictions announced by the Prime Minister this week are a stark reminder that coronavirus still poses a threat to our community. This new NHS Covid-19 app will be a vital tool in helping to reduce the spread of the virus.
“I urge everyone in Wolverhampton who can download the app, to do so as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones. If you are told to self-isolate, you must do so.
“And we mustn’t forget the golden rules of Hands, Face and Space, which continue to be important and effective ways of avoiding coronavirus.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP 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.”
ENDS
