COLCHESTER Council's leader has urged people to download an app to help with coronavirus tracing.

The coronavirus contact tracing app will be rolled out across England and Wales today following months of delay and questions about its effectiveness.

As the software is voluntary, its success will also depend heavily on how many people choose to download and use it.

The app uses an Apple and Google-developed system, using Bluetooth to keep an anonymous log of people a user has been close to.

If someone falls ill, they can tell the app, which will begin a process of locating those they may have been in contact with.

Mark Cory said: “The launch of the NHS COVID-19 app is critical in helping in the fight against coronavirus.

"Everyone who downloads it will help the NHS know where and just how quickly the virus is spreading.

"This will help local authorities, like Colchester, respond quickly and effectively to help save lives.

"Please, I urge you, download the app today and do your bit to fight against this virus.

Halstead Gazette:

"Together, with just our phones, we can have an impact and protect ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbours and the town in which we live."

How does the app work?

The app uses an Apple and Google-developed system, using Bluetooth to keep an anonymous log of people a user has been close to.

It does this by exchanging randomised keys while the Bluetooth signal strength measures proximity.

If someone falls ill, they can tell the app, which will then ping their keys to a central server and in turn send them off to all app users in search of a match.

Should the system determine a person as a close contact, they will be automatically sent a notification and issued with further guidance.

A QR code scanning feature is available, allowing people to check-in to venues they visit and easily share their contact details for human tracing efforts.