Tracing app can operate as ‘passport’, say ministers
Smartphone could be used to show who has tested negative as part of PM’S Moonshot initiative
THE NHS contact-tracing app will eventually be used as a Covid “passport” under government plans, as Matt Hancock announced it will be released to the public later this month. Government sources said the app could become part of Operation Moonshot, which aims to drastically increase testing capacity. The app could then allow people to show that they had recently had a negative test when going to sports matches or pubs.
The plans come as the Health Secretary revealed that the app will roll out in England and Wales on Sept 24, following a series of delays and setbacks.
Mr Hancock said: “We need to use every tool at our disposal to control the spread of the virus, including cuttingedge technology.” The NHS app will also launch alongside a new QR code scheme, which will require businesses such as hairdressers and pubs to put up stickers that people can scan with their smartphones to log their visit. The app will then hold the location data for 21 days, so people will not have to give their personal details in restaurants and cinemas in case they need to be contact-traced later.
However, ministers stressed that people would not have to use the app and QR codes to enter pubs and restaurants, and could still give their details manually.
When the app initially rolls out, it will mainly be used as a way to record where people have been and with whom they have had close contact. But The Telegraph understands ministers are looking at integrating the app into the ambitious Moonshot project to accelerate UK testing from around 200,000 to 10 million a day by next year, radically increasing the ease with which people can receive a test.
A senior government source said: “The app will launch on Sept 24, while the Moonshot pilot doesn’t start until October and we don’t yet know when that might become a nationwide programme. In time, the Moonshot could be integrated with the app so you can use the app to show that you’ve tested negative.”
Businesses are being encouraged to print out and display government QR codes ready for customers to scan when the app becomes available. The app’s launch comes after a series of delays and about-turns led to the NHS ditching its original app in June. It has switched to the Apple and Google model, with a greater focus on privacy and stores all the details of users’ contacts and movements on their phone.
Last night, it was reported that Boris Johnson is considering plans for a hotline to report those who are breaking quarantine rules to the police. It came as he wants to boost the enforcement of fines for people who breach self-isolation rules. Ministers are also preparing to increase spot checks by public health officials, The Times reported.