Thursday 24 September 2020 marked the launch of the England and Wales NHS Test & Trace app; the app may be downloaded at https://covid19.nhs.uk/ or via the appropriate app store. The app is an important tool in the fight against the virus and further advice may be accessed via social media @NHSCOVID19app and #haveyoudownloaded. Other resources are linked below, and a one minute explainer video is available at https://youtu.be/um0qeXj1hnw
The NHS Test and Trace app is designed to help return life to normal, in a way that is safe and protects the NHS and social care, by improving our ability to trace the spread of the virus and isolate new infections. It also gives an early warning if the virus is increasing in prevalence locally or nationally.
The app ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus, and also includes targeted asymptomatic testing of NHS and social care staff and care home residents. It helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus.
Additional useful links
- Explainer packs on the app, how it works, how QR codes work and privacy information, as well as other materials can be found at https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/information-and-resources.html
- FAQ and answers can be found at https://faq.covid19.nhs.uk/
- YouTube app explainer video (in English) is at https://youtu.be/um0qeXj1hnw
- YouTube app explainer video (in British Sign Language) is at https://youtu.be/Pj_tV1v9MR8
- YouTube app privacy video (in English) is at https://youtu.be/lCH__yEHa4s
- YouTube QR code explainer video (in English) is at https://youtu.be/1owHdvq6Z_g
- YouTube QR code explainer video (in British Sign Language) is at https://youtu.be/LSP5OX9HzbQ
- Further information on how Test & Trace works can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works