PEOPLE of all ages are being urged to spare a minute of their time to help save lives by downloading a new app that aims to halt the spread of Covid-19.
Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur has stressed the importance of signing up for the Protect Scotland app, which uses smartphones to let people know if they have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.
When someone reports that they have been infected by Covid-19, an automatic alert is sent to those they have been in close contact with recently.
No personal identifiable information will be entered on the app and the Scottish Government has assured people that it will not monitor their location, as it uses Bluetooth technology, rather than a GPS (Global Positioning System), to identify contacts.
Mr Arthur, whose constituency stretches from Johnstone to Barrhead, said: “The Scottish Government has now launched the Protect Scotland proximity tracing app to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus and complement the person-to-person approach of Test and Protect.
“The app, which takes less than a minute to download, will allow us to alert people at risk far more quickly, so that we can all take steps to reduce the risk of infecting others.
“Scotland’s official contact tracing app will help us all to protect ourselves, our family, our friends and our community by enabling faster contact tracing.
“The more people who have the app, the more it can help to slow the spread of coronavirus. That’s why I’m urging people in Renfrewshire South to download the app.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the app offers “an additional level of protection” by supporting NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect system.
“I would encourage everyone to download the free app if they have a compatible smartphone and help slow the spread of Covid-19,” she added.
“This will support the work of NHS Scotland and has the potential to help avoid local lockdowns.
“We all have a part to play in suppressing the virus and downloading the app – alongside other vital measures such as following hygiene and physical distancing guidance – will help protect you, your family and your community.”
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