NHS COVID- 19 APP HELPS US PROTECT OUR LOVED ONES

The NHS COVID- 19 app can make a real difference to how we all tackle the pandemic, protecting our loved ones and those most at risk from coronavirus. Everyone aged 16 and over across England and Wales can download the app for free and play their part in combating the pandemic.

Downloading the NHS COVID- 19 app is a vital way in which we can all play our part in tracking the spread of the virus while protecting those we love.

Many across England and Wales have already downloaded the app, which includes a range of features, from inputting symptoms to quickly alerting you if you are at risk from coronavirus.

Everyone aged 16 and older can now download the app onto their smartphone for free.

It works by logging the time and distance a user has spent near other app users, so is able to alert them if that person subsequently tests positive.

Designed to the highest standards of data privacy and data security, it tracks the virus, not people.

The app doesn’t hold any personal information such as name, address or date of birth. And it only requires the first half of your postcode to ensure local outbreaks can best be managed.

For some features – such as booking a test – the app may require more information from the user, but only with their explicit consent.

The app anonymously notifies anyone you have been in contact with if you enter a positive coronavirus test result.

The app can also alert you to the virus risk level in your local area, based on the first part of your postcode. On average this covers 8,000 households and, as such, does not personally identify you.

It also allows you to check in at venues by scanning a QR code so you can be notified quickly and anonymously if there’s an outbreak.

The app cannot track your location. It doesn’t need to know who anyone is or where they are.

As you come into contact with other app users, your phones automatically exchange random codes that alert the app if you have been near anyone for more than 15 minutes and at a distance of less than two metres.

These codes cannot be used by the NHS, government or anyone to identify who you are or who you’ve spent time with.

If someone later reports a positive test result, the app sends an anonymous alert to anyone who may be at risk.

The codes are random, encrypted and deleted after 14 days.

It operates using low- energy Bluetooth rather than GPS and will not drain your battery.

If you have already downloaded the app, ensure you continue to use it to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Everyone aged 16 and over can download the app onto their smartphone for free.