How to Use the Protect Scotland App for Coronavirus

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world, every country is taking a different approach. In Scotland, a method called Test and Protect is in place, ensuring that anyone who has been in contact with someone who has the virus self-isolates. As part of this, the NHS has released an app called Protect Scotland to keep everyone safe. The app is easy to use, does not require sign-in, and doesn't collect your personal data.



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The topic of this article is no longer active, no longer ongoing, or does not exist. (Posted 2022-05-31).


Steps

  1. 1
    Install the Protect Scotland app. [1] You can install the app from the App Store or Google Play. While you can install it on many different devices, you are best off having it on your phone as this is the device you will carry around with you most often.
    • The app is not mandatory, but it is recommended that everyone currently in Scotland who is over the age of 12 has it installed to ensure the virus is passed on as little as possible.
    • The app is free to download.
  2. 2
    Answer the questions when you start. To use the app, you must be 12 or over. You must also confirm that you are living in or visiting Scotland. These are simple yes/no questions.
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  3. 3
    Read through the details. The app will explain to you the process of Test and Protect, and give you the Terms and Conditions. The Terms and Conditions can be found here .
    • Using the app is completely voluntary, you may leave at any point.
  4. 4
    Turn on Bluetooth and your device location settings when you are out and about. The Bluetooth will find any other devices which have the app installed which are within 2M (6ft) of you for over 15 minutes with two days of the positive test or onset of symptoms. [2] Passersby will not be altered, unless they were close to you for an extended amount of time.
    • Your information will be used for no other reason than to find out if you have been in contact with someone with symptoms.
    • Keep your phone with you as much as possible to ensure accuracy. [3]
  5. fully if you get a phone call or text saying that you have been in contact with someone who has symptoms. Make sure everyone else in your household isolates too. All phone calls will come from the national number, 0800 030 8012, if you get a call from another number, it is most likely a scam. The person on the other end will explain why they are calling, and refer to you by your name. [4] If you have symptoms, you must self-isolate for 10 days since the symptoms started. If you live with someone with symptoms, but don't have any symptoms yourself, you must stay in quarantine for 14 days. [5]
    • Be aware of what you will be asked for. The only information you will be asked for is who you have been in contact with. They will not ask for any medical information unrelated to coronavirus, your bank details, social media, or passwords. They will also not ask you for any donations or purchases. [6]
    • You will get the option to call back the number to ensure that the call was genuine. [7]
  6. Symptoms of coronavirus include a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or loss or change in taste and smell. [8] During the wait for the test, you and your household must self-isolate completely and avoid having visitors round. You can either go to a walk-through test centre, or get a home test. [9]
    • A "continuous" cough is defined by three or more coughing spells in 24 hours. [10] The cough may also be worse than usual.
  7. 7
    Enter your unique code into the app if you test positive. This will alert anyone you have been in close physical contact with, so they know to self-isolate. Your name and details will be kept anonymous, meaning that those people will not know who it is. When you go on the app, there will be an option in yellow saying "Add Test Code". This test code is a six-digit code that you will have gotten if you test positive for COVID-19.
    • Only enter this code if you have tested positive. Do not share this code with anyone else.
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      Tips

      • If you live in, or are staying in England or Wales, you should download the NHS COVID-19 app instead. [11]
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      • If you do not have your phone with you, turn off the tracing by switching off Bluetooth or your phone, to avoid false alerts. [12]
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      • You can leave at any time by selecting the three dots in the top right corner, selecting "Leave", then selecting I want to leave . This will remove all your data stored by the app.
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      Warnings

      • This app does not mean you should ignore the Government's guidelines. Continue to wear face coverings in specific areas, avoid crowded areas, socially distance, and clean hands and surfaces frequently. [13]
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      Things You'll Need

      • Phone with Bluetooth connection

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      References

      1. ↑ https://protect.scot
      2. ↑ https://protect.scot/how-it-works
      3. ↑ https://protect.scot/how-it-works
      4. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-contact-tracing
      5. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-infection
      6. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-contact-tracing
      7. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-contact-tracing
      8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/
      9. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-testing
      1. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/
      2. ↑ https://covid19.nhs.uk
      3. ↑ https://protect.scot/how-it-works
      4. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

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