'Pingdemic': Leeds has highest number of people self-isolating in England
Video report by David Hirst
Leeds has the highest number of people in England isolating because they have been a close contact of someone with Covid-19, according to the latest NHS data.
Over 9,400 people were "pinged" by the NHS Test and Trace App from the week beginning July 1 in the city, with just 479 people reporting symptoms to the app in the same time period.
The figures come as there is growing concern that businesses will have to keep closing as staff members are told to self-isolate.
There are also high numbers of people isolating in other parts of West Yorkshire, over 3,000 in Wakefield and over 1,000 in Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale.
Emma Pullen, who runs a hair salon in Halifax, has had to close her shop on Sunday after one staff member tested positive and others were pinged from other close contacts.
She said: "It's so stressful because you don't know what to do for the best, I've not tested positive, I've not shown any symptoms and neither has my other stylist who has been pinged by track and trace.
"It is frustrating because I feel like I could work, but I don't want to put anyone else's health in danger so that's why I've taken the decision to close."
How the Covid-19 NHS app works
How and when should I pause contact tracing?
How and when should I pause contact tracing?
Users of the app can pause contact tracing by selecting 'Manage contact tracing' on the home screen, then toggle on or off.
You should pause contact tracing when you:
are working behind a fixed screen and are fully protected from other people
store your phone in a locker or communal area, for example while working or taking part in a leisure activity like swimming
are a worker in health and social care and are wearing medical grade PPE such as a surgical mask
are a healthcare worker working in a healthcare building such as a hospital or GP surgery
You can set a reminder to turn contact tracing back on after 4 hours, 8 hours or 12 hours.
When contact tracing is paused, you will still be able to check into venues with an official NHS QR code poster.
Source: NHS Test and Trace
When will I be 'pinged' by the NHS app?
When will I be 'pinged' by the NHS app?
If an app user tests positive for coronavirus, they can choose to share their result anonymously.
The NHS will then send alerts to other app users who have spent time near them, or been in ‘close contact', over the last few days. These alerts will never identify an individual.
‘Close contact’ is based on an algorithm, but generally means you've been within 2 metres of someone with coronavirus for 15 minutes or more.
If the app user who tested positive booked their test through the app, the test result will come through to their app automatically. However they still need to click ‘share random IDs’ before their close contacts can be notified. If they booked their test through another route, they will also need to link their test result into the app using a code.
This means that you will not always receive a close contact alert on the same day that the person received their positive test result.
Your self-isolation period is calculated from the date at which you were in close contact with the person who tested positive.
Source: NHS Test and Trace
What should I do if I am 'pinged' by the app?
What should I do if I am 'pinged' by the app?
If you receive an alert telling you that you've been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, and you need to self-isolate, then you will have to say at home for a full 10 days following that contact.
It can take up to 10 days for symptoms to appear. People in your household will not need to isolate unless you develop symptoms.
If you develop coronavirus symptoms during this 10 day period, you are advised to use the symptom checker in the NHS COVID-19 app to find out if it could be coronavirus.
If the app confirms that you may have coronavirus, it will take you to a website where you can book a coronavirus test.
If you have coronavirus symptoms, you and anyone in your household or support bubble will have to stay at home until you’ve been tested, and got your result and advice on what to do next.
If you do not develop symptoms after 10 days, you can stop self-isolating. You will not need a coronavirus test.
If you are under 18 years old, and test positive for coronavirus, you should notify a trusted adult before taking any action.
If you have questions about how the advice applies to you, or are struggling with self-isolation, you are advised to call 111.
Source: NHS Test and Trace
What is the difference between contact tracing and checking into venues?
What is the difference between contact tracing and checking into venues?
Contact tracing and the venue check-in function are two methods used by the NHS COVID-19 app,
When you have contact tracing switched on, your app will use Bluetooth to know when it has come into close contact with other nearby app users.
‘Close contact’ is generally 2 metres for 15 minutes or more.
If any of those nearby app users later test positive for coronavirus, you will receive an alert with advice on what to do.
The alerts are based on a ‘risk-scoring algorithm’ developed by scientific experts.
When you check into venues using the app and official NHS QR code posters, this data is held on your phone.
If it’s identified that people who were there on the same day have since tested positive for coronavirus, you may get an alert with advice on what to do.
The venue check-in feature works independently of the contact tracing feature.
If you get a venue alert it will not tell you to self-isolate.
Source: NHS Test and Trace
What alerts will the NHS COVID-19 app send me?
What alerts will the NHS COVID-19 app send me?
The NHS COVID-19 app will send alerts in these situations:
You’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
You have visited a venue where you may have come into contact with others who have since tested positive for COVID-19.
Information for your local area has changed.
You booked your test through the app, and your test results have arrived.
You have paused contact tracing and set a reminder to turn it back on.
Your guidance has changed. For example, your self-isolation period has come to an end.
You are advised or required to update your app to the latest version.
You did not select 'Notify others' or 'Do not notify others' and over 24 hours have passed.
If you need to self-isolate, you'll be able to see this in the app as a self-isolation countdown timer.
Other alerts may say: “Possible COVID-19 Exposure''.
Source: NHS Test and Trace
Businesses have called for clarity after the prime minister announced a "small number" of doubled-jabbed critical workers will not have to self-isolate if they have been "pinged".
Boris Johnson resisted widespread calls to announce a more wide-reaching change to the rules to reduce the number of people in isolation as the NHS, retailers, suppliers and businesses continued to struggle.
But Mr Johnson said he would "protect crucial services", suggesting the exception would cover hospital and care home staff, or those working in the supply of food, electricity and medicines, and transport, defence and borders.
Criag Tiffany's pest control business has been badly affected by Covid-19 isolations
From August 16 in England, those who have been double-vaccinated and under-18s will no longer have to isolate if they come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 unless they display symptoms, yet businesses say they cannot wait that long.
The British Retail Consortium called for clarity on who would be exempt and said retail workers and suppliers should be included for the “vital role” they have played in the pandemic.