The software is designed to help contain the spread of Covid-19 by alerting users whenever they’ve been in close contact with someone who later tests positive for the virus. Until now, the UK Track and Trace system has relied on people handing over their contact information, including name and mobile number, when booking tables in restaurants, taking part in gym classes, or ordering in their local pub.

With the app installed, smartphone owners will be automatically sent a notification and issued with further guidance if they’ve been in the same venue, public transport, or in close proximity outside, without someone who tested positive for the infection.

NHS COVID-19, which is available to people in England and Wales (with separate apps for Scotland and Northern Ireland), will send you a message whenever you’ve been close to someone who has tested positive. When that happens, the NHS will employ a “risk-assessment” algorithm