NHS Test and Trace app will be released on the 24th of September in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have already released their versions of the app. As of the 18th of September, Test and Trace compliance is mandatory.
As of the 18th of September, taking part in the NHS Test and Trace will be enforced by law in England. Close contact services must keep a record of all of their customers for 21 days. For more information on this, please see the Government website here. To make the process easier for everyone, The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has released an app to automate the process.
BEIS has announced the date in advance so that businesses can download and display QR codes and prepare for the launch. The codes will be an important way for NHS Test and Trace in England and NHS Test, Trace, Protect in Wales to contact people if coronavirus outbreaks are identified. The app works in exactly the same way in both nations.
QR posters are unique to each venue – businesses can download posters for their premises here. There is also pulled together FAQs for businesses on QR codes.
In England, using QR codes will help businesses meet the new legal requirement to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff on their premises. Businesses who are already using their own QR system are encouraged to switch to the NHS Test and Trace QR code. An alternative check-in method, such as a handwritten register, must be maintained to collect the contact details of those who don’t have the app.
Please note that all mobile practitioners need to have a QR code which they take with them to each property. Only one code is needed.
In Wales, it is compulsory for businesses in certain high-risk sectors to collect and keep records of staff, customers and visitors. Checking in with the app does not replace this requirement. High-risk premises in Wales must continue to keep a full record of staff, customers and visitors, including people who check-in using the QR code poster for the location.
The app will be a critical enhancement of NHS Test and Trace in England, and the Test, Trace and Protect service in Wales. It will provide users with local risk information, and allow them to quickly and easily book a free test, and use a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues. The app will allow people to know more quickly if they are at risk of the virus, so they can take action fast to protect their communities and families.
You can find further information, including posters and an explainer pack here.
