By North East Lincolnshire residents urged to download Covid-19 app
People across North East Lincolnshire are being urged to download the NHS Covid-19 app that was launched today.
As already reported, it will be available to those aged 16 and over in multiple languages and forms a central part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England and Wales – identifying contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The launch of the NHS Covid-19 app is an important part of the government’s coronavirus response. The more people who download and use this app, the more it will help us to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This is a welcome step in protecting those around us.”
Today the UK’s major mobile network operators, including Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, Sky and Virgin, have confirmed that all in-app activity will not come out of customers’ data allowance.
The contact tracing element of the app works by using low-energy Bluetooth to log the amount of time you spend near other app users, and the distance between you, so it can alert you if someone you have been close to later tests positive for Covid-19 – even if you don’t know each other.
The app will advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case. It will also enable you to check symptoms, book a free test if needed and get your test results.
The system generates a random ID for an individual’s device, which can be exchanged between devices via Bluetooth (not GPS). These unique random IDs regenerate frequently to add an extra layer of security and preserve anonymity.
The app does not hold personal information such as your name, address or date of birth, and only requires the first half of your postcode to ensure local outbreaks can be managed. No personal data is shared with the government or the NHS.
From today certain businesses in England are required by law to display NHS Test and Trace QR codes so customers with the NHS Covid-19 app can use them to check-in. QR codes will help businesses meet their legal requirement to log contact details and allow public health leads to send alerts based on whether people have checked in at venues.
So far, more than 160,000 businesses have already downloaded QR codes.
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