Support 100 years of independent journalism.

  1. Science & Tech
  2. Coronavirus
16 April 2020updated 06 Oct 2020 9:45am

Oxford researchers say contact-tracing app could curb spread of disease after lockdown

By Oscar Williams

A Government Technology Agency (GovTech) staff demonstrates Singapore's new contact-tracing smarthphone app called TraceTogether, as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Singapore on March 20, 2020. - The mobile app using Bluetooth technology developed by GovTech in collaboration with the Ministry of Health informs user who had close contacts to confirmed coronavirus cases was launched in Singapore on 20. (Photo by Catherine LAI / AFP) (Photo by CATHERINE LAI/AFP via Getty Images)

An NHS contact-tracing app could significantly diminish the risk of a resurgence of Covid-19 cases when lockdown restrictions are lifted, according to new research.

New modelling by epidemiologists at Oxford University suggests the software would limit the number of transmissions caused by people who were not yet showing symptoms of the virus. 

But the researchers, who are working with the health service’s tech unit NHSX on the project, cautioned that for the app to have the maximum impact, it would need to be adopted by 80 per cent of smartphone owners.

This is a significantly higher figure than those seen in other countries where contact-tracing apps have been rolled out. In Sinagpore, for example, adoption is at just 12 per cent. 

Earlier this week, Laurie Clarke wrote for NS Tech about the NHS’s plans for the app. Read the full article here. 

Sign up for The New Statesman’s newsletters Tick the boxes of the newsletters you would like to receive. Quick and essential guide to domestic and global politics from the New Statesman's politics team. The New Statesman’s global affairs newsletter, every Monday and Friday. The best of the New Statesman, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. A handy, three-minute glance at the week ahead in companies, markets, regulation and investment, landing in your inbox every Monday morning. Our weekly culture newsletter – from books and art to pop culture and memes – sent every Friday. A weekly round-up of some of the best articles featured in the most recent issue of the New Statesman, sent each Saturday. A weekly dig into the New Statesman’s archive of over 100 years of stellar and influential journalism, sent each Wednesday. Sign up to receive information regarding NS events, subscription offers & product updates.
I consent to New Statesman Media Group collecting my details provided via this form in accordance with the Privacy Policy