Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance his Department has published on the use of the NHS App for teachers and headteachers; and whether teachers are required to switch off that App while at work.

The NHS COVID-19 app complements, rather than replaces, existing contact tracing processes and can be downloaded by anyone aged 16 or over.

From Step 4 of the roadmap, close contacts will be identified directly by NHS Test and Trace. Nurseries, schools and colleges will no longer be expected undertake routine contact tracing. The NHS COVID-19 app will continue to play an important role in contact tracing, by increasing its speed, reach and precision. It is able to quickly identify and notify users if they come into contact with somebody who later tests positive for COVID-19.

The app and its use are advisory, and it is up to an individual’s discretion if and how they use the app. The Department recommends that people follow its advice to help break chains of transmission and to protect others from COVID-19.

From 16 August, in line with fully vaccinated adults, under-18s identified as close contacts will not need to self-isolate and instead will be advised to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The NHS COVID-19 app will be updated to reflect this new policy in England.

The Department will update its guidance shortly on how the NHS COVID-19 app should be used in nurseries, schools and colleges.