NHS Launches New Coronavirus Status Checker to Track UK Outbreak
The NHS has rolled out a new Coronavirus Status Checker to help fight COVID-19. Launched by Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock, the tool aims to gather crucial data to coordinate the NHS response and improve planning.
Spot Symptoms? NHS Wants Your Info Now
The Status Checker is open to everyone across the UK and especially targets anyone showing even mild coronavirus symptoms. Users answer a quick series of questions about their health, helping the NHS track the virus’s spread and predict where extra resources like oxygen, ventilators, and staff may be needed most.
Importantly, the tool is not a medical advice or triage service. Users are reminded before and after the survey to use NHS 111 online for clinical guidance.
Matt Hancock: “Nation Needs to Join Effort”
“Technology and data is playing a vital role in battling coronavirus and supporting our heroic NHS frontline workers to save lives, protect the vulnerable, and relieve pressure on the NHS,” Hancock said.
“We must learn as much as possible about this virus, and we are asking the whole nation to join this effort.”
“If anyone has experienced symptoms of COVID-19 I urge you to use our new Status Checker app to help us collect essential information and allocate NHS resources where they’re needed most.”
How It Works & What It Asks
- Why you’re staying at home
- How you’re feeling
- Any other health problems
- Date of birth
- Postcode
- Number of people in your household
The service is free and hosted on the official NHS website, with easy access via NHS 111 online coronavirus pages.
This initiative brings together NHS England, NHSX, NHS Digital, and Public Health England in a united effort. Developers of independent COVID-19 apps have also agreed to coordinate with the NHS, creating a national data hub.
Protecting Your Privacy
The NHS guarantees that personal identities won’t be revealed. The data will only be used by NHS or trusted partners and kept only as long as necessary post-outbreak.
“By taking a few moments to answer these questions, you can help the NHS put resources in the right places, at the right time, to save lives,” said Prof Keith Willett, Strategic Incident Director at NHS England.
The NHS urges everyone to step up and help this vital national effort by visiting the NHS website and completing the status checker today.
