Test and Trace: Will you be among the first Islanders to download the coronavirus app?

A link will be emailed to NHS and council workers this afternoon.

Scroll down to watch Isle of Wight journalist Louise Hill speaking to Health Secretary Matt Hancock about the new app...

All Island residents will be able to download the app from Thursday. A letter is being sent out which will explain how to download and use it.

The smartphone app, developed by the NHS and the government, uses bluetooth to search for other nearby phones. If an app user reports coronavirus symptoms, those whose phone data showed they were nearby and at risk, are notified.  

Read more: Test and Trace: Seven things you need to know about the Isle of Wight’s new coronavirus app

There have been some concerns about the handling of data. The NHS insists all information is randomised and anonymous, unless you ring to report symptoms and require a swab test to be delivered to your home. Amnesty International says the reassurances have not answered its fears about the central storage of data, which is not being used by a number of other international apps.

Read more: Privacy concerns remain over contact-tracing app, Amnesty International UK says

Yesterday (Monday), the Isle of Wight's Local Democracy Reporter Louise Hill challenged the Health Secretary Matt Hancock over privacy concerns at the national press briefing.

The National Cyber Security Centre was involved in the app's development.

The app is being rolled out on the Isle of Wight, having first been trialled on an RAF base.

Part of a new test, track and trace programme, the app will work together with enhanced contact tracing services and swab testing for those with potential Covid-19 symptoms.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Hancock said: "Where the Isle of Wight goes, Britain follows. We can run this trial in significant controlled conditions.

"The data is stored on the individual phone and not shared until it needs to be with the NHS, after a contact is made. The app holds no private information."

For those who may not have access to the app, or the ability to use a smartphone, there will be an option to report symptoms and order tests in other ways.

As the integrated service develops, everyone who reports symptoms, including app users, will also be asked to record recent contacts using an online service (or through a telephone interview if they prefer), so that contact tracers can reach all contacts who may be at risk, whether or not those contacts are app users.

Contacts will then be alerted either by the app or by email/telephone - advising them to self-isolate or offering public health advice.

When the government's test, track and trace programme rolls out nationally, likely in a few weeks time, Public Health England says it will oversee the deployment of 18,000 additional contact tracers to support the programme.All households will receive a leaflet with clear instructions on how to download and use the app on Thursday, and a targeted marketing campaign will begin on Friday.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The Isle of Wight is playing a vital role with this pioneering work to help keep Britain safe. This will pave the way for a nationwide roll-out when the time is right.

“Coronavirus is one of the greatest challenges our country has ever faced and this app will play a vital role in getting Britain back on her feet.

“The app will help control the spread of coronavirus by alerting people they may have come into contact with it and recommending appropriate action.

“This ground-breaking technology, combined with our heroic frontline health and social care staff, and both a nationwide contact tracing testing programme will ensure that we remain in the best position to move toward easing the lockdown.

Matt Hancock at yesterday's briefing

Matthew Gould, chief executive of NHSX said: "Technology can help us get the country back on its feet.

"By launching the NHS Covid-19 app we can reduce transmission of the virus by alerting people who may have been exposed, so they can take action to protect themselves, the people they care about and the NHS. 

"When combined with testing and enhanced web and phone contact tracing, this will help the country return to normality and beat coronavirus.”

Deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van Tam said:

“By widespread testing  those suspected to be infected with coronavirus, tracing their contacts and where appropriate advising them to self-isolate, we can slow the onward spread of the virus.

"This new app-based system, developed by technology experts in partnership with clinicians and scientists, will run alongside traditional contact tracing by PHE. If uptake and use is widespread it will give us the greatest room for manoeuvre to ease other social distancing measures.”

Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director and director of health protection at Public Health England said:

 “Alongside the NHS Covid-19 app, PHE’s phone and web-based contact tracing will be a critical part of the Government’s strategy to get the country back to normal.

“Taking these first steps on the Isle of Wight will help us prepare for a scale up of our contact tracing capacity, with an 18,000 strong team ensuring the contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases are followed up and given the information they need.”

Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart said: “On behalf of the Island I am very pleased we can be the first place to use this new digital technology in the country.

“I have always been keen to ensure we keep our special community safe from the virus but at the same time explore ways to enable us to get back up on our feet and move forward from it. This scheme offers the tightly controlled approach we need to help us do just that.

“Widespread tracing and testing holds the key to this ambition and if we are able to help the country move forward then the Island will also have done its part in helping government in tackling this virus and re building our lives through safe social distancing when the time is right.

“I am sure Islanders will rise to the challenge and help avoid post lockdown spread of the virus and keep people as safe as possible.”

This lunchtime, the Isle of Wight County Press will be putting some of your questions to Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely.

Read more: Track and trace app: Your chance to ask Isle of Wight MP what it's all about