‘Island communities’ or even Cornwall could pilot NHS tracing app BEFORE rest of the UK

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Ministers hope the pioneering tech will help the UK beat the bug and “return to normality”.

Health chiefs will next week start real-life testing of the NHS coronavirus contact-tracing app

Speaking yesterday, Michael Gove told MPs isolated areas where it is easy to control movement in and out could be used to test the app.

It raises the prospect of picturesque islands such as the Hebrides and Anglesey being used, with Ministers also considering extending this to Cornwall.

Mr Gove said: “My own personal view is that it is preferable if we do it (lift the lockdown) as one United Kingdom.

“But there is a specific scientific justification for saying that island communities can be areas where you could pilot some measures, contact tracing in particular, in order to combine that with relaxing measures at a progressively greater rate.

“That can help you judge what is right for the country overall.”

Experts predict high uptake will ensure fresh outbreaks are quickly snuffed out, preventing a second deadly peak.

HOAR revealed a trial of the app began on the Isle of Wight this Monday.

Scientists are testing the tech on the island in a bid to “iron out any bugs” in the system, ahead of an expected national roll-out in mid-May.

But daily infections would still have to fall further – ideally below 1,000 – before it could work effectively across Britain.

Officials claim the self-contained nature of islands makes them a perfect proving ground for the app, which will be used alongside contact tracing and testing to halt outbreaks.

Michael Gove announced the trial locations yesterday
Cornwall's tourist industry could see 80 per cent of businesses close due to coronavirus
Cornwall could be one of the testing areas

HOW THE APP WORKS

It works by using Bluetooth to log when another user’s smartphone has been in close proximity.

If a person develops Covid-19 symptoms, they can report their symptoms to the app and immediately organise a test.

The tech automatically sends out an anonymous alert to other users they may have infected, urging them to self-isolate if necessary – thus stopping further spread.

They will then have the ability to book a coronavirus test.

Experts estimate if 60 per cent of Brits used the app on their phone, then future outbreaks could be prevented.

Officials are planning a widespread push to boost uptake of the tech once it is rolled out.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has pledged the app will be part of a “rigorous regime” of test, track and trace to fight coronavirus.

An army of 18,000 contact tracers are also being recruited to help find and alert those who may have caught Covid.

Speaking at the Downing Street briefing, Mr Hancock said they will be in place within three weeks, alongside the app.

He said: “We hope to have the contact tracers in place before or at the same time as the app goes live.

“We’re expecting that to be ready by the middle of May.”

‘ROLLED OUT IN FORTNIGHT’

Matthew Gould, chief executive of NHSX – the health service’s digital innovation arm which is developing the app – said the “critical new tool” could be rolled out in a fortnight.

He told MPs it is an “essential” part of moving out of lockdown.

Speaking at the Science and Technology Committee on Tuesday, he said Brits need to download the app to help ease social distancing.

He said: “This needs to be part of the core message – as the country looks to reduce the restrictions.

“The message needs to be, if you want to keep your family and yourselves safe, if you want to protect the NHS and stop it being overwhelmed and at the same time we want to get the country back and get the economy moving, the app is going to be an essential part of the strategy.”