The University is making preparations to support the NHS COVID-19 contact-tracing app in preparation for its launch later this week.

The app will go live nationally on Thursday 24 September and will use Bluetooth technology to track time and distance between smartphone devices. It also offers a QR code check-in capability, allows users to book a free test and has an isolation countdown timer to remind people to quarantine.

It will replace current paper contact tracing systems seen in pubs, restaurants and hairdressers.

To support its use the University will display QR codes in buildings and temporary structure across campus, and at every café and catering outlet and free study space, including those within buildings.

Once they download the app staff, students and visitors will be able to check in by scanning the codes as they move across the University. You will not need to scan to say you have exited a location. Once a QR code is scanned information will remain on a user’s phone for 21 days.

If an outbreak is identified the location ID will be sent to all devices that have the app downloaded. It will then check if users have visited that venue and, if they have, provide an alert with advice on what to do.

This information is not shared with the University who will continue to support contact tracing by also running our own WIFI tracing programme.

Use of the app is voluntary but encouraged to help the national fight in preventing the spread of the virus and ensure that our campuses are as safe as possible.

For common questions and answers about the app, including use of personal data please visit the NHS COVID-19 app support pages