The launch date for the NHS Covid-19 app across England and Wales has been confirmed.

We've put together everything you need to know about the new app.

When will the NHS Covid-19 app launch across England and Wales?

The Department of Health and Social Care have said the app will launch on Thursday, September 24.

What is being done in preperation for the roll-out?

Ahead of the roll-out, businesses including pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas are being urged to ensure they have NHS QR code posters visible on entry so customers who have downloaded the new app can use their smartphones to check-in.

What have trials of the app shown?

The department said ongoing trials in the London Borough of Newham, on the Isle of Wight and with NHS Volunteer Responders show the app is “highly effective when used alongside traditional contact tracing to identify contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus”.

What has the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said?

Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the app’s launch as “a defining moment” and said it will help to contain the virus “at a critical time”.

He said: “We need to use every tool at our disposal to control the spread of the virus including cutting-edge technology.

“The launch of the app later this month across England and Wales is a defining moment and will aid our ability to contain the virus at a critical time.

“QR codes provide an easy and simple way to collect contact details to support the NHS Test and Trace system.

“Hospitality businesses can now download posters for their premises ahead of the launch of the NHS Covid-19 app. This will allow the public to seamlessly check in to venues using the app when it launches.

“It is vital we are using the NHS Test and Trace system to reach as many people as possible to prevent outbreaks and stop this virus in its tracks. This function will make it simple and easy so we can keep this virus under control.”

What have NHS bosses said?

Managing director of the NHS Covid-19 app Simon Thompson said: “My team have worked tirelessly to develop the new NHS Covid-19 app and we are incredibly grateful to all residents of the Isle of Wight, London Borough of Newham, NHS Volunteer Responders and the team that went before us; the learnings and insight have made the app what it is today.

“We are now giving businesses the time to prepare their venues ahead of the app becoming available across England and Wales. We are working closely to engage, educate and inform them about how the app works and how they can play their part.

“The QR system is a free, easy and privacy-preserving way to check in customers to venues, and we encourage all businesses to get involved and download and display the official NHS QR code posters.”

What have politicians in Wales said about the launch?

Wales’ health minister Vaughan Gething said the app’s launch is “an important part of coronavirus response” and that it is sensible for the app to work across the two countries.

He said: “Working on a joint England and Wales basis is the most practical option here, as we know there is a lot of movement across our shared border. It makes sense to use the same app, working in exactly the same way, regardless of which country you’re in.

“The Welsh Government has worked closely with the NHS app team to ensure the app is easy to use and gives people the right advice and guidance, tailored to the country they reside in. I strongly encourage people in Wales to download and use the app when it launches.

“The more people who download and use the NHS Covid-19 app, the more it will help us to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”

Where can the NHS Covid-19 app be downloaded from?

For iPhone users, it can be downloaded from the App Store, while Android users can access it from Google Play.

For more information about the app, visit: https://covid19.nhs.uk.