NHS Covid-19: App users cannot enter negative tests

People who test negative for Covid-19 cannot share the result with the new NHS app for England and Wales if they didn’t book the test through the app in the first place.

The application requests a code to record the result of a test, but a code is only received if the test is positive.

Those who enter who have symptoms without entering a result find that a self-isolation countdown begins.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the app would be updated.

People who have been using the app since its launch on Thursday, and who had already booked tests before downloading it, have found that they can’t stop the self-isolation countdown after reporting symptoms if they later get a negative result, because it does. . they don’t come with a code that they can share.

“That’s so confusing as the app doesn’t tell you that you can’t enter a reserved negative test outside of it,” said Professor Deborah Ryan, who originally contacted the BBC.

“And the app still tells you to quarantine yourself if you entered symptoms. Does this mean I can’t turn off the self-isolation alert in the app?”

Self Isolation Alert cannot be disabled in this situation.

It’s unclear how many test results would be affected by this.

The Health Department said use of the app is “completely voluntary” and the advice to get tested or isolate cannot be enforced.

Tests booked through the app will have the results shared automatically, he said.

According to data analyst App Annie, the NHS Covid-19 app has been downloaded around 4 million times so far.

“By downloading this app, you help protect yourself and others. If you book your test through the app, the results will be automatically recorded in the app and the isolation countdown will be updated,” said a DHSC spokesperson.