NHS Covid app could be made less sensitive (Image: NHS)
There could be some big changes to the NHS Covid app to help reduce the number of people being told to self-isolate by the testing and tracing service. In the last week of June, some 360,000 alerts were sent via the iPhone and Android app that warns users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
With all restrictions lifted on July 19, experts are now warning that this number could rise to millions unless the app’s sensitivity is reduced.
A source close to Sajid Javid has now revealed that the new health minister is considering making changes to the app that currently pings users if they are within 6 feet of an infected person for more than two minutes. Speaking to the BBC, the source confirmed: “We are looking at the sensitivity of the app.”
Right now, anyone receiving a warning is being told to stay home for 10 days and many in the hospitality industry are warning that this could cripple their business. UKHospitality’s chief executive, Kate Nicholls, recently warned of problems for the sector, saying that the increased number of workers being told to self-isolate was causing “bloodbaths” for pubs, restaurants and bars.
There are also concerns that Brits are now removing the app altogether due to the number of times they are pinged.
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Jenny Harries, the head of the new UK Health Security Agency, recently admitted to MPs that the public “chose not to use the app”.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has also recently acknowledged the “frustration” of the British public.
Speaking to Sky News, Sunak said: “I know most people are concerned about how the app works, and the health secretary is aware of that.
“The app counts for the majority of people who need to isolate, I understand, on the numbers, and it looks at what is the most appropriate, balanced and proportional approach to isolation in these circumstances.”
This isn’t the first time the Covid app has changed since its initial launch.
As restrictions started to lift in the UK, a change in rules now requires every visit to have the NHS Covid-19 app and use the ‘Check In’ function when entering a restaurant, pub, shop, gym, hairdresser or business.
Previously, a single member of a group of friends or family could ‘check in’ – usually with a QR code. This was enough to let the whole group in. However, each individual member will now have to scan the QR code to register their visit using the NHS smartphone app. The change is intended to speed up contact tracing.
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