Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns has called on constituents to download the new NHS COVID-19 app, which has now launched across England and Wales following rigorous testing and successful trials.

The App alerts users if they have been close to someone who later tests positive for COVID-19, as well as providing risk alerts based on user's postcodes, allows users to scan QR codes to check in at venues and book tests if they have symptoms.

The App works by logging the amount of time you spend near other app users, and the distance between you, so it can alert you if someone you have been close to later tests positive for Covid-19 – even if you don't know each other. The app will advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

The UK's major mobile network operators, including Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, Sky and Virgin, have confirmed that all in-app activity will not come out of customers' data allowance.

Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, said: "Recent days have been a stark reminder that the threat of COVID-19 to our communities continues. Indeed, we are at a tipping point in our efforts to control the spread of this virus and so must use every tool at our disposal to prevent transmission, including the latest technology.

"This new app is an important tool for helping to reduce the spread of the virus, and I urge residents to download it as soon as possible, to protect themselves and their loved ones."

Businesses are now required by law to display NHS Test and Trace QR code posters so customers with the NHS Covid-19 app can use it to check-in to venues. So far, more than 90,000 businesses have already downloaded QR codes.

The app has been designed with user privacy in mind, so it tracks the virus, not people, and uses the latest in data technology to protect privacy. No personal data is shared with the Government or the NHS, and the app does not hold personal information such as names, addresses or dates of birth.

The app has been through successful trials in the Isle of Wight, Newham and among NHS Volunteer Responders and lessons learned have informed the final version that is launching today.