NHS App Glitch Leaves iPhone Users Stuck on Loading Screen
iPhone users have been reporting major issues with the NHS COVID-19 app all week. Instead of loading normally, the app freezes on a blue screen flashing the NHS logo.
The NHS has issued a quick fix: make sure your iPhone is running the latest Apple iOS update. If that doesn’t work, reset your Location and Privacy settings in the phone’s Settings menu.
However, NHS is mum on what’s causing the glitch or when a proper fix will arrive. Apple insists the problem isn’t on its side, pointing out that the app runs fine in other countries.
Frustrated Users Share Workarounds on Twitter
Some users say the app stopped working right after installing the latest update. One Twitter user complained: “After installing the update the app will no longer open on my phone, it just gets stuck on the loading screen with the NHS logo.”
The NHS’s official Twitter advised: “If you’ve recently upgraded to an iPhone 12 and are seeing an error with the NHS COVID-19 app, you may need to manually turn on Exposure Notifications in your settings.”
Others recommend deleting and reinstalling the app to get it up and running again.
Volunteers to be Trained for Covid Vaccine Rollout
Meanwhile, St John Ambulance confirms talks to train volunteers to administer Covid vaccines are underway. New rules now allow independent nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, student nurses, and doctors to give the jab.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “These legal changes will help us… roll out a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it passes clinical trials.”
But leaked plans, revealed by the Daily Mail, suggest volunteers with no prior medical experience could also be trained. Criteria reportedly include:
- Aged 18 to 69
- At least two A-levels or equivalent
- Low risk of Covid-19
- Willing to undergo reference checks
Scotland’s Toughest Covid Restrictions Loom in West
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hinted tougher Covid rules are “likely” in the west of Scotland due to stubbornly high infection rates, especially around Glasgow.
No areas have hit level four restrictions since the Scottish tier system launched, but Lanarkshire and Greater Glasgow & Clyde board areas are under watch.
Level four would mean shutting down non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers, and more. Sturgeon said this tough step “for a limited period” could protect the NHS and allow some relaxation at Christmas.
