Coronavirus: Download contact tracing app "to keep Surrey safe"
It has been launched today.
People in Surrey are being urged to download the new NHS Covid-19 contract tracing app which has launched today.
A County Council spokesperson has described it as " the next step in the fight to stop the spread of coronavirus" here.
The app sends the user a notification if anyone they have been close to tests positive for the virus.
The launch comes as cases increase across the country, prompting the prime minister earlier this week to announce tighter restrictions.
Last week, a Surrey borough was was added to the government's Covid-19 watch list. Rising case numbers in Spelthorne meant it became officially an 'area of concern' - particularly Staines-upon-Thames, Ashford, Stanwell, Shepperton, Sunbury-on-Thames, Halliford and surrounding areas.
Surrey County Council's Director of Public Health, Ruth Hutchinson, is encouraging as many as are eligible to get the app:
"The app is the next step in the fight to stop the spread of Coronavirus in Surrey. The more Surrey residents that download the app, the longer we can continue to keep Surrey safe.
"Contact tracing is absolutely essential to managing infection levels, and by using the app you will be doing your bit to help keep them down.
"The app tracks the virus, not you. The quicker you know that you are at risk of infection, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones.
"Lockdown was difficult for many people and we should all do what we can to prevent it. The app will help us stop the spread of Coronavirus in our local areas."
Anyone over the age of 16 in England and Wales can get the app, which can also tell the user what their local postcode risk level is.
It also allows them to check their symptoms, book a test, and get self-isolation advice and track their isolation period with a countdown tool.
Another feature is being able to check into venues using official NHS Covid-19 QR codes - from today, certain types of businesses will legally have to display a NHS Covid-19 QR poster, for customers to scan.
The types of venues which will be legally obliged to display a QR poster are:
- Hospitality - bars, restaurants, hotels, cafes
- Tourism and Leisure - museums, galleries, gyms, leisure centres
- Local authority buildings
- Places of worship
- Close contact services
- Where an event is taking place in a physical location
The app is based on Apple and Google privacy protecting technology, and cannot track a person’s location, monitor whether they are self-isolating, access anyone’s personal identity or any other information on their phone.