NHS Wales has released a Covid Symptom Tracker app to collect data on the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
Along with the Welsh Government it has appealed to people who experience symptoms to download the app and log their progress each day. They said this will make it possible to track the virus and provide indications of the demand on hospitals in different locations.
The Covid Symptom Tracker – which is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play – has been developed by King’s College London and healthcare science company Zoe. The data it collects will be used in modelling by scientists at the university and the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank at Swansea University.
It will also be shared daily with NHS Wales and the Welsh Government.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Having a range of evidence and data is crucial in helping us build a clear picture of how the virus is behaving and affecting everyone’s lives. Crucially this app can help us anticipate potential Covid hot spots and get our NHS services ready.
“I’m asking everyone in Wales to download the new Covid Symptom Tracker app, so you can help protect our workers and save lives. Together we can build the best scientific picture so we are better armed to fight this terrible disease.”
Lead researcher Professor Tim Spector from King’s College said: "Accurate real time data is essential if we are to beat this disease.
"Without accurate and wide spread testing it’s essential that we have much data as possible to help us predict where we are going to see the next spikes in demand so that resources can be effectively deployed ahead of time to meet the needs of the patients."
Zoe has also made daily symptom maps and other content available.
Image from Sergio Santos, http://nursingschoolsnearme.com, CC BY 2.0
