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The new app for contact tracing is now being trialled on the Isle of Wight and with NHS Volunteer Responders.

The NHS Test and Trace programme has now launched a new COVID-19 app for contact tracing, with trials starting this week on the Isle of Wight and with NHS Volunteer Responders, soon to be followed by the London borough of Newham.

The app will log the time and distance users spend close to each other so that they can be alerted in case later one person tests positive for COVID-19. It also enables users to book a free test, get their results and notifies them of the level of coronavirus risk in their area, along with a suite of additional features.

The app is being introduced to complement existing contact tracing methods and testing, helping individuals understand if they are at risk of infection.

To design it, the NHS Test and Trace team has reportedly been working closely with tech companies, medical and privacy experts and teams from other countries introducing similar initiatives. 

While the app does not track or hold personal information such as the name, address or date of birth of the user, for some features, it will require more information – for instance, for booking a test.

Below, you can see a video that provides more information about how it is going to work once it becomes available to all residents.

You can find out more about the new app here.