GP Dr Sarah Jarvis chats about new NHS Covid-19 app

As the number of positive cases in England and Wales rises, it is vital that we do all we can to prevent the spread of infection and protect the most vulnerable in our society.

From midnight on Thursday 24^th September, everyone aged 16yrs and older, across England and Wales is being urged to download the NHS COVID-19 app. The app has a range of features which will quickly alert you if you are at risk of coronavirus, meaning it becomes increasing effective the more people use it.

It works by logging the time and distance a user has spent near other app users, so is able to alert them if that person subsequently tests positive. Designed to the highest standards of data privacy and data security, it tracks the virus, not people, and operates using low-energy Bluetooth rather than GPS.

It does not hold any personal information such as name, address or date of birth, and only requires the first half of your postcode to ensure local outbreaks can be managed.  For some features, (for example, if you are booking a test) the app may require more information from the user but only with their explicit consent.

Aston spoke to Dr Sarah Jarvis to discuss the app, how it works, its features, and the importance of downloading it.