The NHS’s COVID-19 app is an important part of England and Wales’s ability to track Coronavirus cases and prevent the spread of the virus.The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact tracing, local area alerts and venue check-in. It is very beneficial, and we would recommend all employees download and use the app, if they are not already doing so.

 It is, however, important that all employees follow the Government guidelines when using the app. For example:

• The app does not mean that social distancing should no longer be followed, and it should be used alongside the other preventative measures put in place, both at work and in our private lives.
• Additionally, employees should remember that the app should only be kept active when our phones are with us to avoid incorrect details being registered with the contact tracing system – use the pause function when you are separated from your phone.
• The app is designed to be used by one person per phone only. You should not share a phone with someone else if you are using the app.

The NHS website has a dedicated section covering common questions when using the app.

If you would like any further details about the app, please visit:    https://faq.covid19.nhs.uk/category/?id=CAT-01032&parentid=CAT-01023

It is vital that all employees who use the app do so sensibly. Please consider the impact improper use may have, both on the business and your colleagues and their families. If the app is not used correctly, it could mean that people need to self-isolate unnecessarily, which may impact their mental health and wellbeing – particularly at this time of year.

Conversely, incorrect use could also mean that someone is not alerted if they are in close contact with a person who has tested positive for the virus, which presents a risk of greater spread. Furthermore, this could impact the business – risking an outbreak or preventing people from working when they are able to, as well as increasing the workload and pressure on our teams.

If you are using the NHS COVID-19 app and are notified that you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive from Coronavirus, please ensure you inform your Line Manager in the first instance. They will then need to speak to their Health & Safety Specialist, who will investigate what further action is required.