Government claims almost half a million businesses have printed QR-code posters
Credit: Piqsels
More than 10 million people have downloaded the NHS Covid-19 contact-tracing app withing three days of its launch.
The technology was released on Thursday 24 September and six million people downloaded it on its first day of release, according to the government. By midday on Sunday this figure had risen to 10 million.
A total of 460,000 businesses have also downloaded QR code posters to be displayed at their venues, allowing visitors to register their attendance. On Saturday 1.5 million people used the software to check in to a venue, the government said.
The app currently has a cumulative rating of four stars out of five on the Google Play store, where it has been reviewed more than 16,000 times. Its rating on the Apple app store is 4.7 out of five.
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Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock said: “The enthusiastic response of over 10m people downloading the app in just three days has been absolutely fantastic. This is a strong start but we want even more people and businesses getting behind the app because the more of us who download it the more effective it will be. If you haven’t downloaded it yet I recommend you join the growing numbers who have, to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
The app allows users to enter test results, check symptoms, check in to venues by scanning a QR code, read the latest coronavirus advice, and obtain information on current risk levels in their area. For users that are advised to self-isolate, the app will also feature a clock to count down their isolation period.
Although users will need a mobile data or WiFi connection to download the app, the UK’s major mobile networks – including Vodafone, Three, EE, O2, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky, and Virgin – will not deduct any in-app activity from their customers’ data allowances or charge those on pay-as-you-go deals.
