NHS Coronavirus Contact Tracking App has sent one alert about the outbreak of the venue

NHS contact tracking app Coronavirus It has been reported that it has occurred at the venue since it was released nationwide two weeks ago.

Despite millions of check-ins, there is only one alert, so there are questions about the effectiveness of the app and whether it could not warn the public health team of an outbreak and could exacerbate the pandemic. ..

Only four alerts were sent in places such as pubs and restaurants, but three of them expired before the app was released nationwide. Sky news Report.

However, due to privacy concerns, the alert cannot determine where the outbreak occurred and instead notifies the user that they may have been exposed to the coronavirus while on the go.

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The warning adds: “The risk of getting infected during your visit is negligible, but keep following the latest advice on social distance.”

Users are encouraged to use the app’s symptom checker and book a free test if needed.

The Ministry of Health defended the app, which was downloaded 16 million times in England and Wales, and said it was an “important” tool in the fight against Covid-19. They do not frequently send alerts from QR code check-in.

It comes because the Cabinet Minister has revealed that 30% of coronavirus infections come from hospitality.

The app uses a QR code scanner that allows users to check in at the venue and alerts them if they are close to someone who tests positive for Covid-19.

Venue information is stored on the user’s phone.

NHS Test and Trace can send alerts to people who visit where the outbreak is detected.

British pubs, bars and restaurants are legally required to display official NHS QR code posters.

Paul Hunter, a professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia, told Sky News that he questioned whether the app was an effective virus control disorder.

“Alerts are almost certainly unreliable as an important and effective way to control an epidemic,” because they do not identify where the outbreak occurred.

He added that privacy measures prevent public health authorities from knowing who checked in to the venue.

Professor Hunter said: “If everything is done through the app and the UK Public Health Service and the local public health team knows nothing about it, is it exacerbating the outbreak?

“It may be acting to hide clusters and outbreaks from the local public health team.”

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The Welsh government does not force companies to display NHS QR code posters.

This allows pubs and restaurants to keep recording visitor details either manually or through their own QR code system, which has no restrictions on the same data collection.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said: “NHS Covid-App is an important public health tool that has been downloaded over 16 million times and helps stop the spread of this virus.

“In addition to the app’s contact tracing capabilities, the QR code check-in system performs many important functions, especially a digital diary asking who you were with if the user tested positive. Offers.

“If the Heath protection team believes the venue is related to an outbreak, it may send a” warning and notification “message to app users who attended the venue at the same time, based on the check-in time. “

Commerce Minister Nadhim Zahawi said on Friday that evidence submitted by the UK’s chief health officer to parliamentarians indicates that 30% of coronavirus infections are due to hospitality.

He said BBC Breakfast: “Evidence shared by Chris Whitti with my colleague Northern Parliamentarian yesterday is that about 30% of infections between restaurants, bars and cafes come from their hospitality and social interaction. It shows that.

“And because they know their area best, it’s right for us to act with local leaders, local public health teams.”