England and Wales finally get contact-tracing app after months of delays — bit shit, but it’ll do

After months of delays, U-turns, technical issues, and criticism from privacy campaigners, the UK government has finally launched its contact-tracing app in England and Wales. The revamped NHS COVID-19 app uses Bluetooth to track the time people spend near other users and the distance between them. When an individual falls ill, they can report it in the app, which then alerts anyone who’s been close to them. If the system’s algorithm calculates that their contact was high-risk, they’ll be told to self-isolate. They can also use the app to access local risk alerts, QR check-in at venues, a symptom checker, and test booking. Health and Social…

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