Do I need to download the test, track and trace app?

Today the NHS' new test and trace scheme launches in England and Scotland, with the aim of enabling further easing of lockdown restrictions.

An app which could identify exactly who needs to be in quarantine and who doesn’t, making it key to easing up social distancing measures, is also coming soon.

However, the head of the programme is said to have told MPs that the system will not be fully operational at local level until the end of June.

Here's everything we know so far.

The Government is hiring 25,000 new contact tracers whose efforts will support the work of the app.

Thousands of contact tracers will now text, email or call people who test positive for coronavirus, to find out who they've had contact with.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said people contacted as part of the NHS Test and Trace system must stay at home for 14 days, adding that the “instructions are absolutely clear”.

He said: “I think that the vast majority of people will understand that it is in everybody’s interest that those who are in higher risk follow the requests from the NHS, these instructions, and it is very important that they do."

Those who have already had the virus will also be asked to self-isolate.

However, the accompanying app is delayed by several weeks, having been trialled on the Isle of Wight, with the government expecting it to be functional within "the coming weeks".

Do I need to download the test, track and trace app?

The aim of the NHS app is to alert people when they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus – and asking them to self-isolate.

Although the app is voluntary, the government believes approximately half of the country would need to download it so it can be effective.

Previously Transport secretary Grant Shapps explained: "The idea is that we will encourage as many people to take this up as possible. This is going to be a huge national effort and we need for this to work 50-60% of people to be using this app.

"Not everybody has a smartphone, and I appreciate that for various reasons not everybody will download it but it will be the best possible way to help the NHS."

Mr Hancock clarified at yesterday's coronavirus press briefing that the new system could lead to local lockdowns being implemented where there are a cluster of coronavirus cases, if restrictions are eased.

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