Home   News   National   Article

Police told not to download Covid-19 app on work phones as downloads top 12m


By PA News

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

Police officers are being told not to download the coronavirus contact tracing app on to work phones, as the app topped 12 million downloads on Monday.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) issued the guidance to forces across the country following the NHS Covid-19 app’s launch last Thursday for England and Wales.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own contact tracing apps.

A spokesman denied suggestions that the move was a result of “security implications”.

“Police forces use a variety of mobile devices with different system restrictions,” the NPCC said.

“It is important that we have confidence that the NHS app will work for officers and staff consistently across the country, and it is for this reason that we have recommended that officers and staff download the app to their personal as opposed to work devices, rather than any suggestion of security implications.”

It comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock hailed what he called “the fastest download of an app in British history” having reached 12.4 million downloads by midday on Monday.

(PA Graphics)
(PA Graphics)

“I would urge everybody, including every single member in this House, to join the 12.4 million,” Mr Hancock said.

The app uses Bluetooth technology to keep a tab of close proximity encounters with other people and informing them if one later tests positive for the virus.

The app is in the number one spot in both iOS and Android app stores.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.

Keep up-to-date with important news from your community, and access exclusive, subscriber only content online. Read a copy of your favourite newspaper on any device via the HNM App.

Learn more


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More