Contact tracing app ‘will not be ready until autumn’

The anticipated app was due to be launched across the country this month, but London’s deputy mayor for fire and resilience Fiona Twycross has revealed it will not be ready for months.

When approached by HSJ, the Department of Health and Social Care refused to confirm exactly when the app will be launched and why it has been so dramatically delayed.

The initial trial of the app – which was launched on the Isle of Wight on 5 May – highlighted some issues with the technology, which did not appear to work on older handsets.

A trial of the second version of the app was due to begin this week but was postponed by the government, according to national reports. 

NHSX – which is involved in the development of the app – is now considering switching over to technology developed by Apple and Google, despite initially rejecting their model.

During a meeting of the London Assembly’s fire, resilience and emergency planning committee this morning, Dr Twycross said the assembly has raised concerns that the app would not be effective in large tower block buildings, as Bluetooth signals could transmit between walls and give false readings.

She said: “I understand it is due to come out in the autumn. What I would say about the app is it is only one aspect of the test and trace programme.

“The call centres where you have got people getting in touch with people who have been [in contact with infected people] is the most vital part of it.

“It is more important that we get the app right for the autumn, rather than rush it out when it is not ready. Test and trace is not reliant on the app and nor should it be.”

The anticipated contact tracing app is part of the government’s wider test and trace scheme, which aims to prevent the spread of coronavirus as lockdown is lifted.

The app sends out a Bluetooth signal and will detect when someone comes into significant contact with another person who is also using the app.

If a person develops symptoms of covid-19 and alerts the NHS via an app, all the people they have come into significant contact with will receive an alert advising them to quarantine for two weeks.

Despite early emphasis on the app’s ability to prevent the spread of coronavirus, chair of NHS Improvement Baroness Dido Harding last week referred to it as the “cherry on top of the cake” of the test and trace programme.

A spokesman for the DHSC said: “There has been a hugely positive reception to the app on the Isle of Wight, with more than 54,000 people downloading the app.

“Their feedback has been invaluable ahead of rolling out the app nationally soon.

“The app will complement the NHS Test and Trace programme, which is already up and running and helping to save lives.”