Members of the public can now download the NHS COVID-19 app after the initial version of the app was scrapped in June.

The new app is designed to be used by anyone aged 16 or over who lives in England.

When users of the app develop Covid symptoms, and receive a positive test result, the trace function of the app will inform users who have recently been in contact with that person.

It will also allow users to check-in to venues more easily by scanning a QR code, replacing the forms that had to be filled in. This check-in function will also inform users if they may have come into contact with someone with the coronavirus at that venue.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are at a tipping point in our efforts to control the spread of this virus. With infection rates rising we must use every tool at our disposal to prevent transmission, including the latest technology.

"We have worked extensively with tech companies, international partners, and privacy and medical experts – and learned from the trials – to develop an app that is secure, simple to use and will help keep our country safe.

"Today’s launch marks an important step forward in our fight against this invisible killer and I urge everyone who can to download and use the app to protect themselves and their loved ones."

Other functions of the app include:

- Alert: lets you know the level of coronavirus risk in your postcode district.

- Symptoms: check if you have coronavirus symptoms and see if you need to order a test.

- Test: helps you order a test if you need to.

- Isolate: keep track of your self-isolation countdown and access relevant advice.

A previous version of the app developed by NHSX was ditched after testing revealed it had difficulties registering iPhones. As a result, a new version, run off software developed by Apple and Google, was developed instead.

The app is available in a number of languages, including English, Welsh, Bengali, Romanian, Simplified Chinese and Arabic.

The app can be found here