Us protect our loved ones

“Downloading the app is definitely part of the solution. Every country that has done well with COVID-19 has got one of these apps.

“If only a small proportion of the population take this up, it is going to increase the number of people who are being alerted and who are told they could be at risk of spreading the virus. That means that we can get the R number infection rate down and hopefully prevent a general lockdown. By putting in only half your postcode, it will alert you to the risk of coronavirus in your area. I used this function the other day. The alert told

MEDICAL EXPERT 3

Dr Amir Khan is a GP, TV doctor and best-selling author.

“It’s beneficial because you don’t have to ring anyone, you don’t have to go online and search for anything. Once you’ve downloaded it, it’s there on your phone.

“It’s really user friendly – honestly. I’m saying that as a complete technophobe. So, if I can use it and find it fairly easy, anyone can use it.

“If you have a smartphone, you should download this app. The reason why is that we need everyone to get on board with this idea of controlling the spread of the virus.

“The best way to do that is knowing where the outbreaks are and knowing when someone who has tested positive might have been in your vicinity.

“It works by Bluetooth technology on your phone. I was worried that it would drain my battery, because I am always on the phone talking to people, but it doesn’t.

“It’s really slick and really effective. The more people who download it, the more effective it will be.

“The idea is that we want as many people as possible to download this app.

“The more people who download it, the better it will be and the more effective it will be for controlling the spread of the virus.”