ISLE of Wight residents have been thanked by the Government for their vital contribution during the recent trial of the NHS Covid-19 app.

In a video released on the Island today, health and social care secretary Matt Hancock praised residents for taking part and reiterated how their feedback will play a valuable role in the next phase of development of the contact tracing app.

The UK is the only country in the world to have run a dedicated trial to improve the app ahead of a national rollout.

Thanks to this rigorous testing phase, including the pilot on the Isle of Wight, challenges were identified ahead of a national population roll-out and a new version of the app will now be developed utilising work done so far on the NHS Covid-19 app and the Google Apple framework.

Matt Hancock said: "Islanders readily stepped forward to help their country as we continue to battle this virus. I want to offer my huge thanks to (them) for leading the way with NHS Test and Trace.

"If you downloaded the app, helped a friend or family member to use it, or (took) part in one of our surveys then you have played a huge part in shaping how the whole country continues to respond to this virus.

“I was blown away by the way so many embraced this trial. The insight and feedback provided has been invaluable in our battle against Coronavirus."

The Government, local council and all partners involved have praised the positive response and support for the app on the Island and the vital role residents have played.

NHS Test and Trace is already working to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives. Data shows over 100,000 people who may have otherwise unwittingly spread the virus have been contacted, and residents of the Isle of Wight should continue to engage with this service.