Protect Scotland: One million Scots download coronavirus contact tracing app

It comes just a week after the app was officially launched in Scotland.

One million Scots have downloaded the “Protect Scotland” mobile app launched by NHS Scotland to trace and test the contacts of people infected with Covid-19.

The app hit the milestone shortly before 10am today, just seven days after it was first made available to download.

More than 500,000 Scots downloaded the application in the 24 hours after its launch.

The Protect Scotland app uses Bluetooth connectivity to exchange anonymous, encrypted, random codes with other app users’ mobile phones.

These codes then allow it to inform people if they have been in close contact with someone who later tests positive.

Yesterday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged people to use the app, and thanked those who already were.

“Almost 1 million of us in Scotland have now downloaded Protect Scotland,” she tweeted.

The Protect Scotland app will alert people when they have been in close contact with someone who later tests positive. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

“Thank you - we know this will make a difference. But we still need more people to use it.

“Please download if you haven’t already - and share with friends and family.”

Protect Scotland can be downloaded for free from Apple's App Store or Google Play.

A message from the Editor

Scotland's new contact tracing app to help combat the spread of coronavirus has gone live, and the download is free for smart phones from Apple's App Store or Google Play .(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director