A Northern Ireland-specific contact tracing app 'StopCOVID NI' has been developed by the Department of Health and is now available to download onto your phone via your app store.

This free app from our health service will support contact tracing, support our health service, help prevent another lockdown and save lives, telling you automatically if you've been near another app user who tests positive. It can also let them know if you test positive, though the app never knows or shares your identity or location.

How the app works:

The app will enable you to:

• Get an alert if you have been in close contact with an app user who tests positive for coronavirus
• Get advice on what to do if you've been exposed to the virus
• Add your test results if you test positive
• Let the app alert others anonymously if you have added a positive test result to the app
• Invite others to take part
• Get useful links for advice on symptoms and booking free tests

How to download the app

• Go to your app store. This will be the Apple App Store for iPhones and the Google Play Store for most other phones
• Search 'StopCOVID NI'. You should see the app with its black and white HSC logo. Click 'Install' or 'Get'
• The app will then be installed on your phone. Open the app and follow the guidance to set it up

Further information

Further information about the app, including how it will protect your privacy, is available on the nidirect website.

Stopping the spread of COVID-19

The app is one way of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. There are other steps we should all be taking too:

• Wash hands regularly
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Practice social distancing
• Follow the latest public health advice