The NHS Covid-19 contact-tracing app is officially live in England and Wales after months of waiting – so how is it faring?
Of course, we at Digital Health have downloaded it and had a look at all it’s features. All you need is the first half of your postcode get started, then you don’t have to do anything else unless you’re checking into a venue using the QR check-in functionality.
The design is simple and easy to use, the symptom checker and check-in functions are clear, the locality risk indicator based on your postcode is really helpful if you’re concerns about cases in your area and, dare we say it, overall it’s quite sleek.
And if you’re worried about the Bluetooth draining your phone battery, you can turn contact-tracing off in your app and it will give you an option to set a reminder to turn in back on in 4, 8 or 12 hours – that way, if you’re home all day you don’t need to have your Bluetooth running.
As with all new digital solutions though, we will have to wait and see how many people download it and whether it causes any technical issues before we know if it is a success.
But you don’t just have to take our word for it, here’s what some of our readers had to say.
I’ve downloaded the @NHSCOVID19app and would urge everyone to do so. Good privacy controls and helpful to see local risk. Hoping this helps keep the R value down prevent a national lockdown.
— Simon Eccles (@NHSCCIO) September 24, 2020
The @NHSCOVID19app now live in England and Wales. Get downloading! Privacy central feature and will help each of us keep our loved ones safe. Links to download from Apple and Android 👇🏽 https://t.co/fxz6e9mgcA
— Dr Harpreet Sood (@hssood) September 24, 2020
There’s an ability at bottom of #NHSCOVID19app to turn off contact tracing. Useful for NHS staff at work where we might well (hopefully while wearing PPE) be in contact with someone who tests positive @NHSCCIO @SteveDunnCEO @Liz_ORiordan @NHSCOVID19app pic.twitter.com/XiGAA1GvaZ
— Dermot O'Riordan🇬🇧🇮🇪🇪🇺 (@dermotor) September 23, 2020
I’ve downloaded the new #TrackandTrace App & everything looks in order. The more of us that have it, the more effective it will be so I’d encourage you to do the same. pic.twitter.com/00UpXGTKvn
— Nick Hopkinson (@nickex5) September 24, 2020
If you do one thing today please download and activate the NHS Covid-19 app. We all have to do out but to protect each other. In addition to following the new way of life this will help you to protect yourself and your family @DigitalFHFT @FrimleyHealth https://t.co/nIFE2LORy3
— Kevin Percival RN 💙 (@kevin_percival) September 24, 2020
@NHSEngland COVID19 contact tracing app is here.
Please check this important guidance for health and care staff on when to pause the app where appropriate at work to avoid false positives.https://t.co/Syc7JS9q5Ahttps://t.co/ipcpD8GkAZ@nhsx #COVID19#ContactTracing @NHSX pic.twitter.com/i7KW3Zm9OC
— Darren McKenna (@DMckennaTweets) September 24, 2020
After a long, unnecessary saga, England/Wales launches a decentralised contact tracing app based on the DP-3T work led by @carmelatroncoso, following other regions of the UK.
On privacy and public health grounds, you should download and use it. https://t.co/UvPVALbnaZ
— Michael Veale (@mikarv) September 24, 2020
I’ve downloaded the #NHSCOVID19app today to help keep myself and those around me safe. Have you? 👇 https://t.co/zEbRiYdOf7
— Prof Jason Killens (@jasonkillens) September 24, 2020
@NHSCCIO it's hugely important that we get the message out on proper usage of the App to the circa 1m NHS staff in the country.https://t.co/XWAiEQUbtQ
We cannot afford a slew of false positives and self isolation among the NHS staff over winter!
— Marcus Baw (@marcus_baw) September 24, 2020
12 October 2020 @ 17:14
I am sure it’s draining my battery. Can’t find evidence though have tried.
30 September 2020 @ 12:41
As a Greater Manchester GP patient I would not download this app under any set if circumstance.
As Health and care organisations across Greater Manchester have accelerated the deployment of the GM Care Record for all 2.8million people.
It builds on the existing borough-based care records that are in place already to create a single joined-up care record for all of the city-region patients.
28 September 2020 @ 18:20
I live alone and have health issues,but cannot download the app because my tablet is too old,a veritable dinosaur at 2 years old!
Do they expect half the population to buy new mobile devices just for this app?
27 September 2020 @ 07:13
If you do not book a covid test using the app then you must record the result manually using the app, ie enter the result code in.
27 September 2020 @ 07:16
Problem is you do not always get a result code?
24 September 2020 @ 16:58
Promising app BUT it doesn’t download onto an iPhone 6 or older models. So with a newer phone I can access the app but my wife can’t! Worrying and disappointing.