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The NHS coronavirus contact tracing app has finally launched in England and Wales after months of delay and questions about its effectiveness.
The app was first tested on the Isle of Wight and the London Borough of Newham and was used to send alerts to users after someone had tested positive.
It uses a system developed by Apple and Google, using Bluetooth to keep an anonymous record of the people with whom a user has been close.
It does this by exchanging random keys while Bluetooth signal strength measures proximity.
If someone gets sick, you can tell the app, which will then send their keys to a central server, and in turn, send them to all app users looking for a match.
If the system determines that a person is a close contact, they will be automatically notified and given further guidance.
If it shows symptoms, the app will send a message to other users it has been in contact with
A QR code scanning feature is available, allowing people to register at the places they visit and easily share their contact details for human tracking efforts.
Some 160,000 companies have already downloaded QR codes to use at their facilities.
However, as the software is voluntary, its success will largely depend on how many people choose to download and use it.
The government had originally tried develop your own application software before deciding in June that it needed to cooperate with companies that provide the technology that powers smartphones to create an effective product.
Health and Welfare Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are at a turning point in our efforts to control the spread of this virus.
“With infection rates increasing, we must use all the tools at our disposal to prevent transmission, including the latest technology.
“We have worked extensively with technology companies, international partners, and privacy and medical experts, and learned from testing, to develop an application that is secure, easy to use and helps keep our country safe.
“Today’s launch marks an important step forward in our fight against this invisible killer and I urge all who can download and use the app to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
A television ad campaign with the slogan “Protect Your Loved Ones. Get the App” is being used to encourage people to install the software.
Major UK network operators including Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Virgin Mobile have agreed not to charge for use.
Baroness Dido Harding, Executive President of England’s NHS Test and Trace program, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to participate with England’s NHS Test and Trace service.”
“The NHS COVID-19 app enables most people with a smartphone to find out if they are at risk of contracting the virus and need to isolate themselves, request a test if they have symptoms, and access appropriate guidance and counseling.
“The features of this app, including registering QR codes at locations, work in conjunction with our traditional contact tracing service and will help us quickly reach more people in their communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“This is a welcome step to protect those around us.”
