No 'Low Risk' Category For England On New NHS Coronavirus App

Users of the new NHS COVID-19 Tracing App on the Isle of Wight became alarmed when a number of postcodes jumped from 'Low Risk' to 'Medium Risk' yesterday (Wednesday).

But it's now been confirmed that due to the current coronavirus level in England, there is currently no longer a 'Low Risk' category.

Users of the app - which has been trialled on the Isle of Wight before it was rolled out nationally today - expressed concern at the change.

On Twitter, the official NHS COVID-19 app page (@NHSCOVID19app) said there was no longer a 'Low Risk' category - just 'Medium' and 'High' due to England's rising level of infections.

In Wales, however, the categories are still 'Low Risk', 'Medium Risk' and 'High Risk'.

Earlier today, the Isle of Wight Council moved to reassure Islanders.

Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart, said:

“We understand that there are some concerns that the Island might be heading for a local lockdown as a result of the change in alert level on the NHS Covid-19 app, but this is not the case.

“The Island still has a relatively low rate of infection compared with other areas of the country and we continue to monitor this on a daily basis.

“The change could simply be down to the national alert level rising from three to four. The five new confirmed cases reported yesterday (Wednesday) may also have driven the change.   

“We are told by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) that most local authorities in England are now classified as medium risk because either they or their neighbouring local authority has high or rising levels of infections.

“We will continue to work with the DHSC today to try to secure more information on the reasons for the change here.

“In the meantime, we should all continue to be vigilant of coronavirus symptoms which include a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell.

“It also important that we follow the Government guidelines: hands, face, space.

• Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser regularly.
• Wear a face-covering where appropriate.
• Keep space from other people; 2 metres or at least 1 metre apart.

 “If you or someone you know, displays any symptoms, no matter how mild, please get a free test by calling 119 or visiting NHS.uk

 "The council has also produced a self-isolation toolkit to help people prepare to self-isolate if they need to.”

Risk levels and what they mean – in England

High

High risk level means your local authority, or a neighbouring local authority is using additional measures, such as lockdown, to reduce transmission because of high levels of infection in the local area. A detailed action plan is in place with both local resources and national support.

Read more about what you should do if your postcode district risk level is high.

Medium

Your local authority, or a neighbouring local authority, has high or rising levels of infection. Please follow national guidance.

Read more about what you should do if your postcode district risk level is medium.

You can download the app:

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.nhs.covid19.production…

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1520427663…

Find out more: https://covid19.nhs.uk