Is Track and Trace a mandatory legal requirement?

THE track and trace app has been a key part of the Government’s strategy to keep the Covid-19 virus at bay.

It has been widely criticised though with questions raised over its reliability and being held responsible for the “pingdemic”.

Is Track and Trace mandatory?

The test, track and trace strategy has been one of the key measures in helping businesses reopen safely through the coronavirus pandemic as the nationwide vaccine rollout has gathered pace.

The NHS Test and Trace Service initially launched with a team of 25,000 contact tracers on May 28 and has since been downloaded by an estimated 5 million people.

Anyone who has come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the deadly bug will be told to self-isolate.

However the app is entirely voluntary and you can choose whether or not to download it.

What are the rules for Track and Trace?

The rules have changed slightly with the start of Freedom Day, July 19, 2021.

From 19 July, close contact with friends and family will be a personal choice, but you are encouraged to exercise caution and exercise personal responsibility.

If you do though get a “ping” via the app you must share information promptly and accurately about your recent contacts through the app.

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You have to self-isolate for ten days from the last date you came in contact with someone who has tested positive with the virus.

Is it breaking the law to delete the NHS Track and Trace app?

There is no law over the deleting of the track and trace app and people can uninstall and delete the app whenever they like.

Accurate figures on how many people have deleted the app are not available.

The Department of Health said there was no reliable figure, because it would be based only on the people who had opted to share their data.

Prof Henry Potts, from University College London, told BBC News: "We have seen steadily rising numbers of people deleting the app."

What is the penalty for breaking Track and Trace rules?

It is a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19 or if you are identified as a contact and told to self-isolate by track and trace.

Failure to self-isolate for the full time-period can result in a fine, starting from £1,000.

The requirement to self-isolate for those who have been fully vaccinated, if they come into contact with someone who tests positive, is also being lifted but not until 16 August.

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