Celebrities urge South Asians to download the new NHS Covid-19 app in new film

CELEBRITIES have come together in a new film with healthcare professionals and community influencers to encourage the South Asian community in the UK to download the new NHS Covid-19 app.

Actor Ameet Chana, dancer Madhu Singh, magician and content creator Arshdeep Soni have joined the government in creating the new film in which they outline the reasons for downloading the app.

Launched this week, the app is a new tool to work alongside traditional contact tracing to help reduce the spread of the virus. It also helps to protect loved ones, guides you on what to do if you develop symptoms and alerts if you live in a high-risk area.

The new app is available to those aged 16 and over in multiple languages. It forms a central part of the NHS Test and Trace service in England and the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme, a statement said.

Mobile network operators, including Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, Sky and Virgin, have confirmed that all in-app activity will not come out of customers’ data allowance.

It uses low-energy Bluetooth to log the amount of time you spend near other app users, and the distance between you, so it can alert you if someone you have been close to later tests positive for Covid-19 – even if you don’t know each other.

Besides, it will advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case. Through the app users can book a free test  and get results.

The system generates a random ID for an individual’s device, which can be exchanged between devices via Bluetooth (not GPS). These unique random IDs regenerate frequently to add an extra layer

of security and preserve anonymity.

According to an official statement, the app does not hold personal information such name, address or date of birth,

and only requires the first half of your postcode to ensure local outbreaks can be managed.

Find more details about the app here