NHS COVID-19 for iPhone

Official NHS contact tracing app

NHS COVID-19 is the official Covid-19 contact tracing app of the National Health Service (NHS) for England and Wales. This medical app provides users with the fastest way of knowing if they are at risk from COVID-19. It has a number of features, including alerts that let you know if you have visited a venue where you may have come into contact with a suspected patient. On top of that, it also helps you to order a test if you need to. However, the use of this app drains your battery faster as it requires that you open your Bluetooth connection every time. 

Check, test, trace

NHS COVID-19 is built in collaboration with some of the most innovative organizations in the world. The NHS has worked with medical experts, privacy groups, and at-risk communities to provide an app that can help control the spread of COVID-19. As noted, it comes with several features that aid you and the health department to slow down—if not completely flatten—the curve. Like other contact tracing apps, this one comes with a tracking feature, which allows you to find out whether you’ve been near users who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

It also has an alert that lets you know the level of COVID-19 risk in your postcode district. Additionally, you can use the app to check the COVID status of the venue you visit. You can do so by using a simple QR code scanner, so there is no need to fill forms. This app also comes with a test feature, which checks your symptoms. If it turns out that you have the signs of COVID-19, you can use the app to book for a free test. You can also keep track of your self-isolation countdown and access relevant advice. 

The app requires you to turn on your device’s Bluetooth connection and location. With this, you can get real-time updates on the current COVID-19 situation in your area. However, by doing so, your battery drains faster than normal. On top of that, some of the features sometimes do not work—especially the QR code scanner. 

Helpful but needs work

With the efforts of completely stopping COVID-19,  tracking apps such as NHS COVID-19, is a very wise move. By using this software, tracking suspected patients will be a lot easier. Moreover, it will also be easier to check if your area is at risk. There are a few usability issues that need work, but all in all, it is a helpful tool to use during this trying time.