NHS tracing app will fail unless more coronavirus testing is readily available

The new covid-tracking launch could be more of a hindrance to the economy than a help if the rest of the system isn’t working, writes Chris Stevenson

The app has already encountered obstacles since its rollout on Thursday (Getty)

The latest NHS-branded Covid-19 app hit the digital shelves on Thursday morning after a long and difficult road. Our technology editor, Andrew Griffin, has already tried to answer the concerns you might have over downloading it.

The launch is needed, in order to help England and Wales ensure the virus is under control. The app, for use by those aged 16 and over, instructs users to self-isolate for 14 days if it detects they were nearby someone who has the virus. A check-in feature also alerts owners if a venue they have visited is found to be an outbreak hotspot.

The government has said the new app will help find those at risk of having the virus that human contact tracers cannot – and the more people who download it, the more useful it will be. There will be teething problems, the app can only be downloaded on phones that are still able to receive software updates – so not some older models.

The system also highlights the need for an effective testing programme to be in place. Thanks to the fact the app is “decentralised” users can only mark themselves as infectious if they have had a positive test (to stop malicious false positives forcing others to self-isolate), which means the government must ensure that people can get tested.

The app allows users to order a coronavirus test and automatically get the results, but the whole system needs to be running efficiently for the app to perform its functions at full capacity.

Readers have been writing in for weeks about the need for the testing system to be brought up to where it needs to be – this app is another element of a wider picture that shows how important that goal is.

We will keep reporting on the rollout of the new app – and the testing system at large – and no doubt you will let us know how you think the government is doing.

Yours,

Chris Stevenson

Voices editor