Vital technology

HUNdredS of thousands of people have downloaded Scotland’s new contact tracing app since it went live.

That is hugely encouraging – and points to the beginnings of the mass participation that the app needs to be successful. True, it’s not a panacea but it’s another vital tool in the armoury to help us combat Covid.

Some may have understandable concerns about data privacy. But we’re assured the app does not track identity or location.

And high take-up of the app suggests these fears are not widely shared.

For as long as Covid is with us – and it will be for many months to come – we need to harness technology in all of its forms in our attempt to contain it.