People in England and Wales have responded hugely to calls for them to download the NHS Covid-19 app, with over 10 million people downloading it so far, 6 million of whom did so on its first day - September 24, 2020.
The app plays a significant part in the NHS Test and Trace service in England and the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme, identifying contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus.
By midday on September 27, there had been over 10 million downloads across compatible Google and Apple devices in England and Wales.
The app has already been put to use over the weekend with more than 1.5 million venue check-ins recorded on Saturday 26 September. More than 460,000 businesses have embraced the new app by downloading and printing QR code posters that can be scanned by the app to check-in to premises.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The enthusiastic response of over 10m people downloading the app in just three days has been absolutely fantastic.
“This is a strong start but we want even more people and businesses getting behind the app because the more of us who download it the more effective it will be.
“If you haven’t downloaded it yet I recommend you join the growing numbers who have, to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Dido Harding, Executive Chair of England’s NHS Test and Trace Programme, said: “The level of support for the NHS COVID-19 app is yet another example of how the public and businesses across England and Wales are pulling together to tackle coronavirus.
“The integration of contact tracing and venue check-in is a key feature of the NHS COVID-19 app, giving us a easy and straightforward way for us all to help protect one another. I urge any businesses yet to print and display the posts to join this effort and download them now.”
