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WATCH: Health Secretary’s “Huge Thanks” To Isle Of Wight Following Now-Scrapped Coronavirus App Trial

The Health Secretary has thanked Isle of Wight residents for their input in the ill-fated contact tracing app trial.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, it was abandoned last week after technical barriers apparently could not be overcome.

Developers say the technology only detected around 4% of iPhones. 

It had used Bluetooth to tell you if you had come into contact with someone displaying symptoms of coronavirus.

The Government said it would switch its focus to an Apple and Google-designed system.

In a video released today (Friday), Matt Hancock said Islanders feedback will play a "valuable role" in the "next phase of the app".

He said:

"Islanders readily stepped forward to help their country as we continue to battle this virus, and I want to offer my huge thanks to Islanders for leading the way with NHS Test and Trace.

"If you downloaded the app, helped a friend or family member to use it, or taken part in one of our surveys then you have played a huge part in shaping how the whole country continues to respond to this virus.

“I was blown away by the way in which so many embraced this trial. The insight and feedback provided has been both invaluable in our battle against Coronavirus and is of global significance."

Figures show the government spent more than £11 million on tracing app contracts before making a U-turn to work with Apple and Google.

The UK is the only country in the world to have run a dedicated trial to improve the app ahead of a national rollout.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "no country in the world had developed a functioning app". Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said that was not the case and pointed to the success of Germany's version.

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