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"Highly Effective" Isle Of Wight-Trialled Coronavirus App Gets Launch Date

The Isle of Wight-trialled contact tracing app will launch nationwide in two weeks, with ministers calling it "highly effective".

In two weeks' time, UK residents will be able scan QR codes on a national system as we enter pubs, bars and restaurants.

The Test and Trace technology will go live in England and Wales on the September 24.

It will mean anyone with a smartphone can log their visit - and then be given advice if someone who was also there tests positive for coronavirus. 

The Department for Health and Social Care said it is “highly effective when used alongside traditional contact tracing to identify contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus".

Health secretary Matt Hancock said:

"We need to use every tool at our disposal to control the spread of the virus including cutting-edge technology.

"The launch of the app later this month across England and Wales is a defining moment and will aid our ability to contain the virus at a critical time."

Venues will also have to provide an alternative for people without the technology.

The app launched on the Isle of Wight in August, as Isle of Wight Radio previously reported. 

It is the second app to have been trialled on the Island. The first was scrapped due to 'technical problems'. 

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