Launch date confirmed for NHS Covid-19 Contact Tracing app

The NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app is due to be launched next week as part of the coronavirus testing and contact tracing programmes in England and Wales.

The app set to launch on Thursday, 24th September, will be used alongside traditional methods of contact tracing, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Users will be notified when they come into contact with someone who later tests positive and provide them with advice on what to do next.

Users will also be provided with local risk information and will allow them to quickly book a free test, using a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues.

The app allows you to log when you visit a venue by ‘checking-in’ by scanning the venue’s QR code on your phone.

People are advised to create a QR code when visiting a business, an event, place of worship or community organisation with a physical location that is open to the public.

While retail premises are not generally required to collect contact information, the NHS FAQs guidance states: “customers generally move around the space rather than congregate, and are expected, by law, to wear face coverings.

“QR code posters are therefore only likely to be useful for cafes/restaurants or other enclosed facilities within supermarket premises where customers may congregate.”

More information and a list of FAQs for businesses can be found here.

In Wales it is mandatory for businesses in certain high risk sectors to collect and keep records of staff, customers and visitors.

Businesses are recommended to have an alternative check-in method, such as a handwritten register, to collect the contact details of those who do not have the app.

Posters for these premises can be downloaded here.