Covid app now works in Scotland and NI

Thursday 29 October 2020

Jersey's Covid Alert App now works in Scotland and Northern Ireland - and it's hoped that England and Wales will soon follow.

The interoperability with the Protect Scotland and StopCOVID NI apps means that islanders who have recently travelled to either jurisdiction will be able to be notified if they have been in close proximity to someone in Scotland or Northern Ireland who later tests positive.

Likewise, individuals returning to either country from Jersey will be notified if they have been close to someone with the virus while on the island.

Those who already have the app won't need to do anything for this to work.

The Government is now working with UK developers to make the app compatible with the ones being used in England and Wales.

Following the Jersey COVID Alert app launch, we have secured interoperability with the Protect Scotland and StopCOVID NI apps. Therefore, people who downloaded the Jersey app can continue using it if they travel to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Article: https://t.co/nqSpgipzqJ pic.twitter.com/RaXRwWA0cs

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) October 28, 2020

More than 35,000 people have already downloaded the app and at least four users have been contacted via the app to be told they may be at risk.

It was described as a "vital tool" in the island's fight against the illness by Home Affairs Director General Julian Blazeby.