Andrew Dismore

Local London Assembly Member, Andrew Dismore AM, is urging residents to download the new NHS Test and Trace app, if they can. Mr Dismore’s call comes in the wake of London being placed on the national Covid-19 watchlist after a recent surge in cases across the capital. He is also asking businesses to register for a Test and Trace QR code to be clearly displayed in their premises.

Testing capacity in the capital has dropped by 43% over recent weeks, after it was diverted to other national hotspots, according to a statement issued by the Mayor of London. The statement also revealed that a recent increase in Covid-19 related admissions to hospitals, calls to NHS 111 and to GPs are indications that the current testing figures are an underestimate of the real number of active cases in London.

The new Test and Trace smartphone app was launched on Thursday (24^th September) after it was trialled in Newham and other parts of the country.

 

Government estimates suggest that at least 7 million people will need to download the app, if it is to be effective in slowing the spread of the virus.

The app enables users to check-in to venues and other public places so they can be alerted if they have been in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, and therefore need to self-isolate.

Businesses are also being urged to download and display NHS Test and Trace QR codes.

Local London Assembly Member, Andrew Dismore AM, said:

“Test and Trace has had a difficult start- hardly the world beating system Boris Johnson claimed it to be-  but the launch of the new app will help with stopping the spread of the virus, if enough people sign up to it.

“With cases quickly rising across the capital, we are now at a crucial juncture and we need as many Londoners as possible to use the app for it to work effectively.

“ I have downloaded the app myself and have used it several times since to register the QR code- it is very straightforward and user friendly.

“Businesses also have a key part in this and must download and clearly display the NHS QR code in their premises.

“In the meantime, it is important that the Government are robustly held to account over their failed efforts to resolve the major issues we have recently seen with testing capacity and the fight against Covid”.

ENDS

Notes

• More information about the new NHS Covid-19 app can be found here;
• The Mayor of London has issued a statement confirming that London has been added to the national Covid-19 watchlist;
• According to the Huffington Post, Government estimates show that at least 7 million people will need to download the new NHS Test and Trace app for it to be effective;
• Andrew Dismore AM is the London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden