06 Oct 2020

COVID-19 – using the NHS App

As we continue to face the COVID-19 virus, it's clear that the responsibility of reducing the spread of the virus resides with all of us. You'll be aware that the NHS launched their COVID-19 App recently which holds many benefits.

As we continue to face the COVID-19 virus, it's clear that the responsibility of reducing the spread of the virus resides with all of us.

You'll be aware that the NHS launched their COVID-19 App recently which holds many benefits;

Raises risk alerts based on postcode/district
Symptom checker Booking tests
Providing public health advice
Check-in at venues

The Government is encouraging all businesses and organisations to display the official NHS QR code posters at their venue entrances to support contact tracing, and you can create your poster here.

The NHS COVID-19 App users will be able to scan as they enter the site, this means that if people attend a site and later test positive for coronavirus, other App users who were there at the same time may be sent an alert, if the local public health teams think this is necessary.

The App notification will not mention the name of the venue, it will just let App users know that they may have come into contact with coronavirus and provide them with public health advice.

Before creating your poster, you'll need;

Your email address
The address of your business

If you have more than one site, you'll need;

Address of each location
Email address and phone number for the point of contact for each location

You'll receive your QR code poster by email soon after you have submitted your information, and for multi-sites the contact for each of the locations will receive a unique QR code poster by email.

When you receive your QR Code;

Print the poster
Display as many posters as you need to avoid queues forming, within the entrance of both employees and visitors to site
Communicate through to all, to scan the QR code when they arrive, using their NHS COVID-19 App

There are a few instances when the App will not work as intended and should be paused, this may include the following and should be briefed through employees;

If you're working behind a fixed Perspex (or equivalent) screen and are fully protected from other people - you should be adequately protected
Wearing PPE due to the work activity being conducted
Your phone is being stored in a locker or communal area

You can pause contact tracing within the App by moving the contact tracing toggle on the home screen - remember to turn contact tracing back on once you leave this situation.

You can download and read further guidance from BOSS partner BPIF below.

If you would like any further information, please contact a member of the HR or H&S team.