Preston businesses get ready for NHS Covid-19 App launch on Sept 24

The Government recently announced a new NHS Covid-19 app as part of the Coronavirus testing and contact tracing programme across the country. The app will be used alongside traditional contact tracing and will notify users if they come into contact with anyone who later tests positive for the virus. It will be available from Thursday 24 September.

The new system allows businesses to create their own unique QR code. This can be used for customers to check-in when they visit your venue. There is also a list of FAQs for businesses about QR codes.

The app will not track your customer or their location, but their postcode helps the app work out where the virus is spreading. The check-in feature can also alert users anonymously to those that have been in the venue at the same time. The data will be kept for 21 days. By using the app, Preston businesses will be compliant with this new law and avoid the risk of a fixed penalty fine.

The app has 6 key features to help our community:

·         Trace

·         Alert

·         Check-in

·         Symptoms

·         Test

·         Isolate

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said,

“We’d like to thank Preston business owners for their efforts in remaining Covid safe for their staff and customers. None of us wants to be in this current position but we must do all we can to stop the spread of Coronavirus which, if ignored, will have a long term effect on our communities and local economy.

“We’re raising awareness of this new app and encouraging Preston businesses to comply with this new law and do all they can to help in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus. Please encourage staff and customers to download the app and use your unique QR code to check-in when they visit your venue.

“If we all work together, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.”