After a second (more successful) Isle of Wight trial, a Covid-19 track and trace app goes live across England and Wales today (Thursday).

According to the government, the Island pilot showed the app to be highly effective when it was used alongside traditional contact tracing, to identify contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus.

Scroll down to find out how to download the app...

Need to display a QR code? Scroll down for details...

Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart said the Island had played an important part in ensuring the app was ready for national roll-out.

He said: "With Covid-19 cases rising again across the country, the NHS Covid-19 app is a useful tool to have in the toolbox, alongside the other measures, to combat the rise in infections. 

"Having the app on your phone enables every user to feel they are contributing — it’s the right thing to do.

"I am enormously proud of the crucial role our Island community played in the development and refinement of this app so that it is now ready for national roll-out.

“When the nation called Islanders stepped up to the plate not once but twice to pioneer ground-breaking technology that I’m sure will go on to save many lives from this devastating virus."

Isle of Wight County Press:

How to get and display a QR code

Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, are now required to have official NHS QR code posters visible on entry so customers who have downloaded the new app can use their smartphones to easily check-in.

Posters can be downloaded via www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster

Customers and visitors will be able to check-in on entry with their phone instead of filling out a check-in book or tool specific to a business. 

This will allow NHS Test and Trace to contact customers with public health advice, should there be a Covid-19 outbreak.

Using QR codes will help businesses meet the new legal requirement to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff on their premises.

How to download the app

The app is available for smartphones only. To get started, go to Android's Google Play or Apple's App Store and search for 'NHS Covid-19'.