It won't be a contract tracing app, at least at launch.
What you need to know
The UK is set to get its own app to battle the coronavirus pandemic this week, albeit with a crucial feature missing. A tweet by the BBC's Chris Mason on Monday noted that while the government planned to debut an app on Thursday, it would do so without a critical feature — contact tracing.
The app will still offer key features, allowing users to log their symptoms if they're ill or to request a test if they suspect they've contracted the virus, but the contact tracing will be done manually by the NHS test and trace system.
It's an especially odd omission when one considers that bot Apple and Google have well-integrated for mobile contact tracing. The UK off that framework, but appears to be holding off on implementing it for now.
, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
The UK has been said to be at a "tipping point" in its management of the virus, with cases predicted to reach if growth continues at the current rate.
What you need to know
- The UK is launching its NHS coronavirus app months into the pandemic.
- It will allow users to log symptoms and secure a test, but it won't be able to offer contact tracing,
- The new app will go live from Thursday, September 24.
The UK is set to get its own app to battle the coronavirus pandemic this week, albeit with a crucial feature missing. A tweet by the BBC's Chris Mason on Monday noted that while the government planned to debut an app on Thursday, it would do so without a critical feature — contact tracing.
The app will still offer key features, allowing users to log their symptoms if they're ill or to request a test if they suspect they've contracted the virus, but the contact tracing will be done manually by the NHS test and trace system.
It's an especially odd omission when one considers that bot Apple and Google have well-integrated for mobile contact tracing. The UK off that framework, but appears to be holding off on implementing it for now.
, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
The UK has been said to be at a "tipping point" in its management of the virus, with cases predicted to reach if growth continues at the current rate.