Download the NHS COVID-19 app today and help keep H&F safe

The free new NHS COVID-19 app is now available to download for local residents in H&F. 

The free new NHS COVID-19 app is now available to download for local residents in H&F. 

Download the NHS app

It is a vital part of the NHS Test and Trace service and the latest tool we have to fight the spread of coronavirus, keep H&F safe and stop a second lockdown. 

The app is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from COVID-19. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and the local community. 

Watch the NHS COVID-19 app 'download it today' video to find out more

  • View transcript of NHS COVID-19 app - download it today video

    The NHS COVID-19 app is a vital part in the fight against coronavirus.

    Now based on Apple and Google’s privacy preserving technology the app will help us safely live our lives protecting you and others.

    If your postcode district becomes high risk, the app will let you know – and give you advice on what action to take.

    If you come into close contact with another user who reports a positive test result the app will send you an anonymous alert.

    A built-in QR scanner lets you check in to venues quickly and easily.

    You can check your symptoms in the app and if they suggest you may have coronavirus, the app is an easy way to get tested.

    Any data shared with the app is held on your phone.

    Nobody will know who or where you are. You can delete the app and all data at any time.

The app has a number of features to protect you. It includes: 

Information for businesses

It is now a legal requirement for certain local businesses to display the QR code poster for the NHS COVID-19 app so customers can check-in on their arrival. 

Find out if you need to display a QR poster

These businesses need to keep records of customers, visitors and staff for 21 days by law and provide data to NHS Test and Trace if requested. 

The QR code poster will make it easier for the NHS Test and Trace team to get in touch with people if COVID-19 outbreaks are identified at a venue. 

Worried about your privacy? 

Watch the NHS COVID-19 app - Protecting your privacy video

  • View transcript of the NHS Covid-19 app - protecting your privacy

    The NHS COVID-19 app is the fastest way to see if you are at risk from coronavirus.

    It has a number of tools to protect you, including contact tracing, local area alerts and QR venue check in.

    And it does all this entirely anonymously. But how?

    The app doesnt need to know who or where anyone is.

    It works by exchanging randomly-generated codes with other app users you come into contact with.

    They tell the app if you have been near anyone for more than 15 minutes, at a distance of less than 2 metres.

    If someone later reports a positive test result, the app sends and anonumous alert to anyone who may be at risk.

    These codes are encrypted and are deleted after 14 days.

    They cannot be used by the NHS, the government, or anyone else to identify who you are or who you have spent time with.

    In order for the app to tell you if your area becomes high risk, you will need to give the first few characters of your postcode.

    One average this covers about 8,000 households so it is not possible to personally identify you.

    The QR code check in feature works anonymously too.

    If you're alerted to a possible outbreak, it does so without identifying the venue or anyone who was there.

    The app runs on proven software developed by Apple and Google and their privacy experts have completed a full review of the app.

    You can delete your data or the app at any time.

    The app cannot track your location, monitor if you are self-isolating or access personal information on your phone such as messages or contacts.

    What it can do, if you download it and keet Bluetooth on, is tell you very quickly if you are at risk from the virus.

    Because the faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect others.

    The NHS covid-19 app is the official contact tracing app for England and Wales and it's free and secure.

    Download it today.

The app uses random IDs that cannot be used by the NHS or the government to identify who you are, or who you’ve spent time with. 

The app cannot: 

  • use your GPS location or track where you have been 
  • be used to check or monitor if you’re self-isolating
  • be used by law enforcement to identify or track you 
  • see personal information on your phone, such as your messages, address book or your phone contacts 

The app will not track you or your location. Instead your postcode district (first part of your postcode) helps the app work out where the virus is spreading.

Find out more about data and privacy here

Need more help? 

Visit the NHS COVID-19 app FAQs webpage to find out more about the app.  

NHS COVID-19 App FAQs

You can also download translated NHS COVID-19 app posters and resources here 

The app currently supports Apple iOS versions 13.5 and higher, and Android version Marshmallow (v6.0) and higher. 

Parents and carers factsheet

Parents and carers factsheet (pdf)

Information in other languages

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