Day: May 5, 2020

Dogstar Theatre Online

With over 275 performances and seen by over 40,000 people in 12 countries since opening at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Tailor of Inverness has taken its place as one of the great Scottish theatre productions.

Dogstar Theatre Online is now making this extraordinary performance available to the public online, as the first in a series of Dogstar performance recordings to be released through Vimeo on Demand.

“The Tailor of Inverness, with its cry for victims of war and forced migration everywhere, is “a universal work of theatre” (Sunday Herald)

On Monday 11 May Dogstar Theatre Online will also release Brian Ross’s beautiful, moving documentary, produced by Hopscotch Films.

Circling A Fox – The Story of the Tailor of Inverness takes Matthew Zajac’s multi award-winning play and turns it into a genre-bending documentary film that challenges received notions of personal and national identity.

This deeply personal story takes us on a journey from war torn Poland and Ukraine to the Highlands of Scotland and back again. Blending documentary, theatre and poetic drama-reconstruction, Circling a Fox tells the story of Matthew’s quest to seek the truth about his father’s past and his efforts to use theatre to reach out to a family he never knew existed.

“This is a beautifully made film…both a road movie and a moving family drama, and although the story begins the best part of a century ago it is completely relevant to our own times.  In the end, it affirms the astonishing power of love.”  James Robertson

It is vital for small independent companies like Dogstar to find new ways of reaching audiences and new income streams and continue to develop while our theatres are closed.

These outstanding film and theatre experiences will be available to the public £3 to view, £8 to download. 

The Tailor of Inverness is directed by acclaimed Grid Iron director Ben Harrison, with a score by two of Scotland’s finest traditional fiddlers, Jonny Hardie and Gavin Marwick. Set and costume design is by Ali Maclaurin, with Lighting Design by Kai Fischer and Sound Design by Timothy Brinkhurst.

Awards for the production include The Stage Award for Best Solo Performer 2008, Scotsman Fringe First, Holden Street Theatres Award (Adelaide) and CATS Award Best Actor 2009.

Wherever it has been seen, the play has evoked extraordinarily enthusiastic reactions.

Joanna Jankowska, audience member in Edinburgh: “This is the story of every Polish family.”

Misha Glenny, author and journalist: “…how incredibly impressed I was by The Tailor of Inverness…unbelievably moving and unexpected”

“One actor, one fiddler, one brilliant and moving piece of theatre…See it, friends.” April Alliston, New York

“One of the most moving theatre experiences we’ve ever had.”  David Getz, New York

“Matthew Zajac’s performance was incredible.  Wish I could go again tomorrow.”  Kevin Hanrahan, Dublin

“It really was an international wonder” Hanne Larsen, Copenhagen

“What a story, what a play, what a performance…I could barely speak afterwards.”  Gerda Stevenson, Edinburgh

“This is a towering piece of work with a glorious performance by the author” Sunday Independent Ireland

The book of The Tailor of Inverness by Matthew Zajac is printed by Sandstone Press £8.99

Circling A Fox is filmed, edited, and directed by Brian Ross, executive producer John Archer.

The Tailor of Inverness & Circling A Fox have received financial support from Creative Scotland.

COMING UP:

The Stornoway Way by Kevin MacNeil

Cast: Naomi Stirrat, Rachel Kennedy, Chloe-Ann Tylor Director: Matthew Zajac

This musical tragi-comedy from the Western Isles packed out theatres during its 2019 debut tour.

Factor 9 by Hamish MacDonald

Cast: Stewart Porter and Matthew Zajac Director: Ben Harrison

Dogstar’s 2014 production about the Contaminated Blood Scandal has influenced audiences, campaigners and politicians across the UK.

Scotland has poorest asthma care

Asthma UK Scotland have called for more radical action to improve the level of asthma care available folllowing the results of their yearly Asthma Survey, which shows the level of basic asthma care in Scotland has fallen by 7% in the last year – making it the worst nation in the UK for basic care provision.

The Asthma UK survey was conducted over the summer of 2019, with more than 12,000 people taking part and 1,403 of these respondents being based in Scotland.

It found that only 36% of Scottish asthma sufferers are receiving the most basic level of asthma care, a startling decrease of 7% in two years. Respondents with a lower household income were also found to suffer from asthma symptoms more frequently.

Across the UK, twice as many people (24.9%) from the top income band have well controlled asthma, compared to 11.9% of those in the lowest income band in the survey. The lowest income band is the only one where over half (57.4%) of people have uncontrolled asthma.

Whilst access to basic asthma care remains similar across income levels, the quality of asthma reviews is poorer for lower income groups. Without high quality asthma reviews assessing symptoms, inhaler and preventer usage, poorer outcomes are experienced.

There are other contributing factors that drive health inequalities for people with asthma. In deprived areas, air quality can be worse and poor housing increases exposure to mould, cold air and dust triggers. Almost half (48.8%) of Scottish respondents listed air pollution as a trigger.

In response to these shocking figures, Asthma UK Scotland are calling for more urgent work to be done to develop and implement the Respiratory Care Action Plan for Scotland in 2020.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK Scotland said: “This survey makes for grim reading and shows the scale of the task needed. It is very disappointing to see Scotland’s level of care decrease so sharply, leaving almost two thirds (64%) of people with Asthma unable to access basic care and asthma reviews.

“It’s also incredibly worrying to read that it is the most deprived communities that are being affected most by this shortfall in care provision. We need to ensure that everyone, regardless of their economic background or where they live, can access the care they need to live a healthy life and keep their lungs well.

“To do this we must also take action to improve the quality of air across Scotland, protecting people’s lung health and helping avoid the development of conditions like asthma and COPD, as well as cracking on with the new Respiratory Care Action Plan.

“The plan is needed now more than ever as we cannot afford to continue on this downward trend. We hope the Scottish Government will soon be forthcoming with proposals to help reverse this trend and that we can refocus our efforts to getting Scotland’s asthma care provision back on track.”

Dr Andy Whittamore, Clinical Lead for Asthma UK, said: “As a practising GP I understand the pressure to cover so much in any appointment, especially an annual asthma review.

“When we are providing basic asthma care, healthcare professionals need to have the time to fully assess someone’s asthma and the impact that it has on people’s diverse lives.

“We also need to be able to tailor treatments and their action plan to people’s lifestyles and help them to use their medicines and seek health care at appropriate times. By doing this we can bring down the high rates of asthma attacks particularly in at risk and disadvantaged groups and reduce the burden that poorly controlled asthma has on the NHS.”

Licketyspit’s Big Porridge & Play is going online

WE may all be at home, but, in our imaginations, we can go anywhere, be anyone, do anything. All we need to play is each other!

Scotland’s pioneering inter-generational imaginary play specialists,   Licketyspit, have received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to adapt their popular family project, Big Porridge & Play Glasgow, to tackle social isolation and support families across Scotland during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The charity will bring groups of families together via Zoom to play games, sing songs and go on imaginary adventures – all from their own living rooms!

In trial sessions, families have made Flying Butterfly Cake, talked to Polar Bears, flown through a Tornado and climbed a Hot Chocolate Volcano with the Licketyspit actor-pedagogues!

Feedback has been hugely positive: “We enjoyed seeing others and being creative with everyone and we would love it to happen again.” (Boatemma, Ruchill); “It’s so nice to see everyone after so many days.” (Piyanshu, 8, the Gorbals).

Big Porridge & Play has been created with and for children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Glasgow and supports families to tap into their imaginations for hours of joy, excitement, creative learning and connection.

As one mother, from Ruchill, reflected last year: “Their imagination has come on so much and they feel comfortable playing without any objects/toys now.”

Families across Scotland with children aged 3-12 will be able to join Porridge & Play open sessions – imaginary Play Sessions for the whole family online every Saturday morning at 10am from Saturday 30 May. 

TO JOIN email cfn@licketyspit.com or text 07413 800 342

There will be a dedicated CFN Facebook Group and lots of ideas for things to do at home in between sessions. “It’s fun, relaxing, good for bonding with your child and reducing stress.” (Dad, Whiteinch)

Licketyspit is one of a number of organisations working together to highlight the urgent need to address ‘digital inequality’ during lockdown, through the No One Left Behind Digital Scotland Campaign and with colleagues on the Ethnic Minority National Resilience Network. They will work with BEMIS Scotland to ensure that digital access isn’t a barrier to participating in Big Porridge & Play.  

Artistic director and CEO of Licketyspit, Virginia Radcliffe, said: “Being with children gives adults a reason to play, but we all need what children need, especially to help us cope with the current crisis – play helps us relax and access our limitless imaginations.

“The Coronavirus lockdown is a confusing and anxious time for many children as they find themselves separated from their daily routine and friendships.

“Playing with adults who take play as seriously as they do empowers children, and with parental engagement shown to be the biggest single factor in a child’s capacity to learn, playing together in Big Porridge & Play online is a wonderful way to support children to flourish during lockdown.

“It’s very important for us that children continue to have agency and autonomy in these sessions, to invent and delight in their own and others’ rich imaginations. We can make each other laugh, and we can sing!

“We’re delighted that this wonderful family play project can still happen online and will be working with third sector colleagues to ensure digital inequality isn’t a barrier to families in the greatest need participating.”

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland director, Neil Ritch, said: “In these uncertain times, our priority is to ensure that National Lottery money continues to flow to charities, voluntary sector organisations and grassroots groups.

“I would like to congratulate Licketyspit on their award, theirs is an important project and will support people now and in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community.”

To take part in these free sessions, join the Licketyspit Children & Families Network (CFN) – an inclusive community of families who embrace children’s rights and imaginary play, at www.licketyspit.com/families/network and email or text Children & Families Network producer, Ruby Zajac, on cfn@licketyspit.com / 07413 800 342.

Care and Carers: A Guide to Keeping in Touch

For people experiencing care, this pandemic may be worrying and confusing.  Alongside other organisations, The Care Inspectorate has produced information to support contact with loved ones during this time.

We have published a guide to keeping in touch, with practical information on using apps and mobile devices so  loved ones can stay in touch when those they care for can’t receive visitors.

The Scottish Council for Learning Disabilities website has published easy read information about the COVID-19.

Alzheimer Scotland have created a suite of resources for people with dementia, their carers and families to use throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Supporting_people_to_keep_in_touch_when_care_homes_are_not_accepting_visitors

Public Holidays & Benefits Payments: info from GIC

Benefits and Tax Credits payment dates will vary because of the upcoming public holidays in May – here’s what you can expect:

Universal Credit is a monthly welfare payment that replaces six other benefits and is paid once a month, usually on the same date.

Those applying for Universal Credit must wait five weeks for their first payment, consisting of a one-month assessment period in which their circumstances and income are checked, and then another seven days for the money to reach their account.

If your first payment was received on April 8, you would normally receive subsequent amounts on the 8th of every month after that – but pay dates vary if they would end up falling on a weekend or bank holiday.

So your payments of Universal Credit and other benefits will vary because of the May bank holidays getting in the way of regular dates.

Universal Credit – May Bank Holiday payment dates

Universal credit is paid every four weeks on the same date. It will also vary slightly over the two bank holidays of May.

Your normal pay date is determined by when your first payment arrives – but it will be moved in any month where your pay date happens to fall on a weekend or bank holiday.

Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Friday, May 8 (May Day Bank Holiday/Early May Bank Holiday)
Paid: Thursday, May 7

Due: Saturday, May 9
Paid: Thursday, May 7

Due: Sunday, May 10
Paid: Thursday, May 7

Late May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Saturday, May 23
Paid: Friday, May 22

Due: Sunday, May 24
Paid: Friday, May 22

Due: Monday, May 25 (Spring Bank Holiday/Late May Bank Holiday)
Paid: Friday, May 22

PIP – May Bank Holiday payment dates

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is usually paid every four weeks.

Your original decision letter tells you the date of your first payment and what day of the week you’ll usually be paid. It would never be arranged to fall on a weekend.

But if your payment date is on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid before the bank holiday. After that you’ll continue to get paid as normal.

Early May Bank Holiday

Due: Friday, May 8

Paid: Thursday, May 7

Late May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Monday, May 25
Paid: Friday, May 22.

Child Benefit – May Bank Holiday payment dates:

Child benefit is usually paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday (you can get it paid weekly if you’re a single parent or if one of you is claiming other benefits) so it would not be paid on a weekend anyway.

Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Friday, May 8 (May Day Bank Holiday/Early May Bank Holiday)
Paid: Thursday, May 7

Late May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Monday, May 25 (Spring Bank Holiday/Late May Bank Holiday)
Paid: Friday, May 22

Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit – May Bank Holiday payment dates:

Tax credits such as Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit are paid every week or every four weeks. They aren’t arranged to fall on a weekend.

Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Friday, May 8 (May Day Bank Holiday/Early May Bank Holiday)
Paid: Thursday, May 7

Late May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Monday, May 25 (Spring Bank Holiday/Late May Bank Holiday)
Paid: Friday, May 22

Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – May Bank Holiday payment dates:

These are both usually paid every two weeks. Dates would never fall on a weekend.

Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Friday, May 8 (May Day Bank Holiday/Early May Bank Holiday)
Paid: Thursday, May 7

Late May Bank Holiday Weekend

Due: Monday, May 25 (Spring Bank Holiday/Late May Bank Holiday)
Paid: Friday, May 22

When does the money go in?

Depending on your bank, funds are available sometime after midnight on the day they are due, usually in the early hours.

Some banks deposit money into your account around 11.30pm so you can withdraw it before midnight on benefit payday. Others will release your funds at midnight or just a few minutes after that.

But in some cases you have to wait until 2am to 3am and others will not let you touch your money until at least 6am on payday.

Granton Information Centre’s office is currently closed to the public due to coronavirus restrictions, but the team is still working. If you need support or advice, telephone 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458.

You can also email info@gic.org.uk and a member of staff will get back to you.

Free bike passes for NHS staff

Transport for Edinburgh’s Cycle Hire Scheme (Just Eat Cycles) are delighted to announce the release of 100 free annual passes for NHS staff today (Tuesday, 5 May 2020).

Developed in partnership with Sustrans Scotland and Edinburgh Cycle Hire operators Serco, the scheme has been made possible by funding from Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Partnership programme.

NHS employees interested in accessing the 12 month pass should use their NHS email address (@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or @nhs.net), and send an email to support@edinburghcyclehire.com by June 22nd 2020.

They will then be sent a code to redeem through the Just Eat Cycles app, which is free to download for iOS and Android. Passes, which cover both e-bikes and pedal bikes, will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Until 4 July, 2020 the NHS passes will cover the use of e-bikes and pedal bikes for free up to 60 minutes per ride. After the initial two months the pass will revert to a normal annual membership for the remaining ten months. E-Bike trips will then cost 10p per minute.

George Lowder, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh said: “Transport for Edinburgh are delighted that Transport Scotland have provided funding to allow access to The Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme for NHS staff who are fulfilling such vital roles at this time.”

Sustrans Scotland Director, Karen McGregor, said: “In the Covid-19 crisis, cycling can offer a healthy and convenient transportation choice for many.

“And so long as the 2m social distancing is observed, it can help people keep a safe physical distance from others. We are delighted to be able to provide funding to support NHS staff with their travel during the pandemic.

Alex Macdonald, General Manager of Just Eat Cycles, said: “We want to thank all NHS employees for their incredible efforts on the frontline.

“It is a privilege to support these people with free access to e-bikes and pedal bikes during the current crisis – we hope it provides some respite to those working hardest to keep us all safe.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This is a fantastic initiative, which will support NHS staff doing the crucial job of keeping us safe to take advantage of cycling as a healthy way of travelling and exercising.

“We’re currently working to implement changes around the city to give people more space to stay 2m apart while cycling, and I’m delighted this will also benefit those participating in this scheme.”

Frank Mitchell, Chief Executive of SP Energy Networks, who have provided funding for cycle hire stations, added: “We’re extremely grateful for the work NHS staff and other key workers are doing during this pandemic.

“We’re really proud the funding from SP Energy Networks has allowed Transport for Edinburgh to expand its Edinburgh Cycle Hire scheme and install more hire points, which help our essential workers travel to and from work around the city in a green and healthy way that supports the official Scottish Government and NHS guidance.

“This is just one of the ways we’re supporting our NHS during the Covid-19 crisis and I’m sure it will make a real difference for those who can benefit from the scheme.”

PIC: Greg Mcvean

Police seek witnesses to Holyrood Park assault

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault in the Arthur’s Seat area of Holyrood Park.

The incident happened around 7.10 pm on Saturday, 25 April, when a 53-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman sustained minor injuries.

Officers are keen to speak to three men and a woman who may be able to assist with enquiries. The suspects, who were all white and aged in their mid-20s are described as:

1) Slim built man, around 5ft 9ins tall, with short black hair and wearing a black hoody, and black jeans.

2) Stocky man with light ginger hair wearing a grey t-shirt with multi-coloured letters on and a hoody open over the top, a grey hat, and combat shorts. He had a light grey husky dog with blue eyes, wearing a dark collar.

3) Slim built man around 5ft 8ins tall. He had an English accent and had a goatee beard around the edge of his chin and dark wavy hair. He was wearing dark trousers and a bright blue t-shirt on. He was on a bike which notably had a turquoise food delivery bag on the back of it.

4) Slim built woman around 5ft 4ins tall, mid-length light brown hair just past her shoulder. She was wearing an oversized sweatshirt and black trousers. She was on a bike and had a nose ring.

There were several walkers in the area at this time and officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who can identify those involved.

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3900 of 25th April 2020, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Caring Communities campaign: Helping Out Safely

People helping those in their communities affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) are being encouraged to carry on while following advice to keep themselves and others safe.

The Scottish Government’s Caring Communities campaign will celebrate the help people are already giving each other, and encourage safe and effective help like keeping in touch, shopping, picking up prescriptions and running errands for those who are unable to.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Together we can help each other through the challenges ahead and our Caring Communities campaign will recognise the efforts of people from across Scotland who are supporting and helping others.

“It’s been inspiring to hear how people have responded to this pandemic by offering help to those around them. Whether that’s been formally volunteering or informally helping out neighbours and friends, we all have a part to play in supporting those around us, however we want to make sure that is done in a safe and effective way.

“There are lots of ways to help whilst minimising or avoiding face-to-face contact, including shopping, picking up prescriptions and medicines, general errands or a daily phone call to stay in touch.

“People can also offer help without the need for direct contact such as using social media to arrange activities and putting people in touch with other services or charities if there is need for further support.

“In rural areas, islands and other remote areas, your nearest neighbour may be some distance away and so you could consider whether help is needed around their home or farm, and make sure people have sufficient food, fuel and access to heating.

“The Scottish Government will continue working with communities across the country to help build cohesion and mutual support during this pandemic.”

National Clinical Director for the Scottish Government Jason Leitch said: “Many people need help and support and some will feel particularly isolated and lonely. If you are able to help alleviate that in your street, neighbourhood, or community, then we are asking you to do so.

“At times of crisis, we need each other more, yet we need to stay physically apart. We can still communicate and offer comfort. Phone or skype loved ones. Text neighbours or drop a note through their door to see if they need help. Maybe even write a letter to your grandparents. We are all in this together.”

Supporting each other through loss and bereavement

The British Psychological Society has published a document on helping one another to cope with death and grief, at a time when many people are experiencing the loss of a friend or family member due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has also released two videos, offering advice on using technology to speak to loved ones who are ill and planning your digital legacy.

Losing a loved one under any circumstances is one of the most difficult emotional experiences that we go through, and it can be even tougher at a time when we have to self-isolate and socially distance from friends and family.

The leaflet ‘Supporting yourself and others: coping with death and grief during the Covid-19 pandemic’ explains the thoughts and feelings that people are likely to experience after a loved one dies, and the changes in behaviour that may result.

It discusses how people can cope with bereavement, acknowledging that everyone deals with loss in their own way, and gives tips on what can help, including:

  • Using digital technology to keep in touch with friends and family
  • Allowing themselves time and space to grieve
  • Not rushing into decisions about possessions and personal effects
  • Trying to stick to a healthy diet and engage in some form of exercise

Straightforward advice is also available for people who are supporting a loved one through their grief.

Measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus mean that many people are unable to say goodbye in person, so the BPS has also produced a video explaining how we can use technology to talk to ill loved ones who we are unable to visit.

It launches alongside a video on digital legacy planning, as many of us store practically important and sentimentally valuable information using technological devices.

If important material is stored on password-protected devices, it’s important for people to make sure that their families are able to access material should the worst happen.

Dr Elaine Kasket, a counselling psychologist and member of the BPS’s Covid-19 bereavement task force that has produced all three resources, presents both videos.

Supporting yourself and others

Coronavirus tracing app to be launched on Isle of Wight today

Isle of Wight residents will be the first to get access to a new contact tracing app as part of government action to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

  • Isle of Wight announced as first phase of new ‘test, track and trace’ programme
  • Rollout of NHS COVID-19 App to begin with the island’s NHS and council staff tomorrow, with all island residents to get access from Thursday
  • Data privacy and security paramount, with National Cyber Security Centre involved in app development
  • The app will be complemented by enhanced contact tracing using existing methods online and over the phone

Isle of Wight residents will be the first to be offered access to a new contact tracing app, as part of government action to test, track and trace to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and move towards safely reducing lockdown measures.

Everyone on the island will receive access to the official NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app from this Thursday, with NHS and council staff able to download from 4pm tomorrow, Tuesday 5 May.

Part of a new test, track and trace programme, the app will work together with enhanced contact tracing services and swab testing for those with potential COVID-19 symptoms to help minimise the spread of COVID-19.

Developed by NHSX, the technology arm of the health service, and a team of world-leading scientists and doctors, the app is designed to significantly speed up contact tracing, helping reduce the chance of the virus spreading by enabling us to rapidly identify people most at risk of infection so they can take action to protect themselves, the people they care about and the NHS.

When someone reports symptoms through the app, it will detect any other app users that the person has been in significant contact with over the past few days, including unknown contacts such as someone they may have sat next to on public transport.

The app will be able to anonymously alert these contacts and provide advice, including how to get a test to confirm whether or not they do have COVID-19. Users will be able order tests through the app shortly.

For those who may not have access to the app, or the ability to use a smartphone, there will be an option to report symptoms and order tests in other ways. As the integrated service develops, everyone who reports symptoms, including app users, will also be asked to record recent contacts using an online service (or through a telephone interview if they prefer), so that contact tracers can reach all contacts who may be at risk, whether or not those contacts are app users. Contacts will then be alerted either by the app or by email or telephone, advising them to self-isolate or offering public health advice.

As the test, track and trace programme rolls out nationally, expected in mid-May, Public Health England will oversee the deployment of 18,000 additional contact tracers to support the programme.

This first phase is a major step forward in the UK government’s next phase of the coronavirus strategy and will improve understanding of how this new integrated approach to test, track and trace will work for the rest of the population.

NHS and council staff will be emailed a download link on Tuesday afternoon. From Thursday the app will then open for all residents on the Isle of Wight. All households will receive a leaflet with clear instructions on how to download and use the app on Thursday, and a targeted marketing campaign will begin on Friday.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The Isle of Wight is playing a vital role with this pioneering work to help keep Britain safe. This will pave the way for a nationwide roll-out when the time is right.

“Coronavirus is one of the greatest challenges our country has ever faced and this app will play a vital role in getting Britain back on her feet.

“The app will help control the spread of coronavirus by alerting people they may have come into contact with it and recommending appropriate action.

“This ground-breaking technology, combined with our heroic frontline health and social care staff, and both a nationwide contact tracing testing programme will ensure that we remain in the best position to move toward easing the lockdown.”

Matthew Gould, Chief Executive of NHSX, said: “Technology can help us get the country back on its feet.

“By launching the NHS COVID-19 app we can reduce transmission of the virus by alerting people who may have been exposed, so they can take action to protect themselves, the people they care about and the NHS.

“When combined with testing and enhanced web and phone contact tracing, this will help the country return to normality and beat coronavirus.”

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van Tam, said: “By widespread testing those suspected to be infected with coronavirus, tracing their contacts and where appropriate advising them to self-isolate, we can slow the onward spread of the virus.

“This new app-based system, developed by technology experts in partnership with clinicians and scientists, will run alongside traditional contact tracing by PHE. If uptake and use is widespread it will give us the greatest room for manoeuvre to ease other social distancing measures.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director and Director of Health Protection at Public Health England, said: “Alongside the NHS COVID-19 app, PHE’s phone and web-based contact tracing will be a critical part of the government’s strategy to get the country back on its feet.

“Taking these first steps on the Isle of Wight will help us prepare for a scale up of our contact tracing capacity, with an 18,000 strong team ensuring the contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases are followed up and given the information they need.”

The government has collaborated internationally and learned from examples of best practice across the world, which has informed the development of a bespoke approach that is right for the unique needs of the UK. The app uses similar Bluetooth low energy technology to that employed by Australia, Norway, and Singapore among others.

The privacy and security of users’ data is a priority and NHSX has involved experts from the National Cyber Security Centre to advise on best practice through the app’s development. Data will only ever be used for NHS care, management, evaluation and research and the NHS will comply fully with the law around its use, including the Data Protection Act.

The Isle of Wight was chosen to trial the project because it has a single NHS trust that covers all NHS services on the island.

Its geography as an island with a sizeable population makes it an ideal place to introduce the NHS COVID-19 app and wider testing service in its initial roll-out period.

Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart said: “On behalf of the island I am very pleased we can be the first place to use this new digital technology in the country.

“I have always been keen to ensure we keep our special community safe from the virus but at the same time explore ways to enable us to get back up on our feet and move forward from it. This scheme offers the tightly controlled approach we need to help us do just that.

“Widespread tracing and testing holds the key to this ambition and if we are able to help the country move forward then the island will also have done its part in helping government in tackling this virus and re building our lives through safe social distancing when the time is right.

“I am sure islanders will rise to the challenge and help avoid post lockdown spread of the virus and keep people as safe as possible.”

The ambition of test and trace is to enable the UK to start to come out of some elements of lockdown. This will be a gradual process and public health experts are considering how best to do this in a way that keeps citizens safe and protects the NHS.