RESIDENTS are being urged to download a new NHS app which has been launched today, Thursday, to help control the spread of coronavirus.

The app launches after positive trials and rigorous testing, and is designed to be an important tool to work alongside contact tracing.

It will be available to those aged 16 and above and forms a central part of the NHS Test and Trace service, which aims to identify contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus

And it will advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case, enable you to check symptoms, book a free test if needed and get your test results.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has described the app as an 'important step forward in our fight against an invisible killer'.

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.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, Warrington Borough Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “The new app will help us to tackle the virus by providing important information about virus hotspots, how to avoid it and what to do if you have come into contact with someone who has it.

Warrington Guardian:

The new NHS Covid-19 app (Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

“I have downloaded it and I urge everyone to do the same. By doing this, it will be a constructive way for us all to play our part to protect our friends, family, and others in our community.

“This is one of a number of actions you can take to help stop the spread of infections in Warrington.

“We must all continue to do the basics – wash our hands often, wear face coverings, keep our distance from others and seek a test if we have symptoms.”

The Government says it has been designed with user privacy in mind, so it tracks the virus and not people, and uses the latest in data security technology to protect privacy.

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.

The UK’s major mobile network operators have confirmed that all in-app activity will not come out of customers’ data allowance.

Also from today, businesses will be legally required to display an official NHS QR code poster ahead of the launch of the COVID-19 app.

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By scanning the QR code poster when visiting venues using their smartphone, residents will be able to check in quickly and easily to the venue.

Customer contact details will need to be collected by the venue for those people that have not checked-in using the QR poster, and this will be a legal requirement.

Thara Raj, Warrington’s director of public health, added: “The roll-out of the app is an additional tool to support test and trace measures, helping to stop the spread of coronavirus and safeguard our communities.

“In order for the app to be effective, we need as many people as possible to download and use it and we also need our local businesses to support us.

“The QR system is a free, easy and effective way to check-in customers, and I would ask that all businesses get involved and download and display the official NHS QR code posters.”

To download the app, visit the app store on your mobile device.

Find out more about the app by visiting warrington.gov.uk/TestandTrace