Chesterfield businesses urged to get ready for NHS Covid-19 app
Business owners in Chesterfield borough are being reminded they must be ready for the launch of the new NHS COVID-19 app – due to go live on Thursday (24 September).
The app is part of the government’s large-scale coronavirus testing and contact tracing programme (NHS Test and Trace).
It will be used, alongside traditional contact tracing, to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for coronavirus.
By law, selected businesses will be required to display a QR code poster linking to the app – this includes businesses within:
- Hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
- Tourism and leisure, including gyms, swimming pools, hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
- Close contact services, including hairdressers, and facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres (for events), libraries and children’s centres
There is more information for businesses here – including resources to create your own poster.
A large-scale national campaign to encourage members of the public to download and use the app is set to be rolled out from Thursday.
It will urge people to use the app to help protect their loved ones and their community. It can be used to:
- Report symptoms
- Order a coronavirus test
- Check into venues by scanning a QR code
It is designed to help understand if the virus is spreading in a particular area and will allow local authorities respond more quickly to a local outbreak, alongside partners.
People are reassured that the app does this while protecting a user’s anonymity. Nobody, including the government, will know who or where a particular user is.
You can find out more about the app and how it works here and you can search for answers to common questions here.
The app will be available to download from the Apple Store and Google Play.
