Government has launched a new Test and Trace app to help prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus, which is available for everyone to download now.
We are lucky to still have a relatively low infection rate here in Dorset and the app will help this trend continue. Everyone who downloads the app will help prevent the spread of the virus by notifying users if they have come into contact with someone who may later test positive for coronavirus.
Features of the app include risk alerts by postcode, a symptom checker and test booking. Please be assured that the app tracks the virus, not the individual.
To download the app, go to your usual app store on your smartphone and search for NHS COVID-19.
It is also now mandatory for some businesses and organisations to have a system in place to collect visitor data and keep it for 21 days. We have contacted Dorset’s businesses, our town and parish councils and our own local council services about this new legal requirement and have asked them to display NHS QR code posters in their properties.
The venues affected include those in the following sectors:
- hospitality;
- leisure and tourism
- close contact services (such as salons)
- places of worship; and
- local authority venues (like Libraries, Registration Offices, Leisure Centres and Town and Village Halls)
We should all start seeing these businesses and venues displaying the the NHS QR posters for customers to check-in with the new NHS COVID-19 app at that location.
If we all download and start using the app, we will be doing our bit to keep each other safe and stop infection rates in Dorset rising.
What if I don’t have a smartphone?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a smartphone, businesses may continue to collect customers’ data using a log-book or other paper method.
I have a question
For all questions about the app please visit here.
More information
For more information about the posters and the app please see here.
To see a short video about the app see here.
The app only appears to work on the latest smartphones (Android 6) so a lot of people will not be able to download it. Not backwards compatible like “MS Windows”so not very useful.