A revamped contact tracing app will be trialled on the Isle of Wight ahead of a national roll-out, it's been confirmed.
As Isle of Wight Radio reported this morning (Thursday), the news comes two months after the first app, piloted on the Isle of Wight, was scrapped due to 'technical problems'.
More than 50,000 Islanders installed the previous technology, which is said to have cost £10.8 million.
The Isle of Wight Council is very pleased to support the @NHSTestTraceapp, which will be tested here on the Isle of Wight before a national rollout. #TestandTrace #IsleofWight #iwnews pic.twitter.com/CMFU7QGNfy
— IOW Council Official (@iwight) August 13, 2020
However, residents were soon told to uninstall it, after only 4% of iPhones were identifiable.
Developers insist the new app, which has had input from Apple and Google, will not have the same problem.
They say it will be able to pick up 90% of all phones.
The latest version includes so-called 'Me Features' to protect individuals, and 'We Features' to protect the community.
So how does it work?
Area Risk Level
Developers say the new app is "much more than a contact tracing app". The latest technology now displays infection levels within a postcode district area.
Users will be able to enter the first four digits of the postcode, before being told about the 'area risk level'. This feature rates infection levels in that location at either low, medium or high.
Unlike the previous app, the new one also has 'a heartbeat', which tells users whether or not the app is working.
The app will keep users notified, tell you to check your symptoms and give you a countdown if you are isolating.
QR Code
A new feature of the app will allow users to check in to participating venues and businesses anonymously, using their phones.
This lets you know whether venues have had an outbreak.
Businesses who want to join in will be able to download a unique QR code to display at entrances.
Dave Stewart, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council said:
“Earlier this year, as part of the response to coronavirus, the Island took part in testing the first NHS COVID-19 app.
“As a direct result of our incredible, collective effort an improved app has been developed and now, we along with others are being asked to help test this app once again.
“We are starting to see our communities open up again, and a return to a more normal way of life.
“But coronavirus has not gone and until a vaccine or treatment is found, testing and contact tracing is the best way to stop the virus from spreading further. This app is another tool in our toolkit for helping to contain the virus.”
How to get a QR code: businesses and venues who want to participate can download their unique QR code poster here: http://gov.uk/create-
Giving feedback on the app: the app team invites feedback on the app, and so all public feedback and enquiries about the app can go to covid19.nhs.uk.
Privacy
Developers insist "you are in control of all of your data".
They say your personal data does not leave your phone unless you have clicked a button and let it happen.
Users are also said to be allowed to delete all of the data from their phone.
The app has been reviewed by Google and Apple to meet their privacy settings, according to developers.
Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, has welcomed the news. He said:
“The Island has again been asked to help trial the Trace and Test App. We’ve been asked specifically because of the very strong community support last time, which has been recognised by the Government. They have come back to ask for our support again. Much of the feedback that Islanders previously gave has been incorporated into the new app.
“This time, to broaden the testbed, the app will also be tested in an urban area, as well as with emergency workers.
“The app has changed. It looks in some ways similar to the previous one, but the technology behind it has changed - in part because of what was learned from the previous test - and it has many more functions.
“A letter will be arriving to every Island household from Friday onwards. Please download this new iteration of the app. I am hoping very much that we can support this improved version as much as we did the previous version. We are doing this for the same reason we did it the first time around. Firstly, it helps protect Islanders. Secondly, as visitors come back to the Island it will help protect both them and us. Third, because it is good for our nation."
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