Latest updates: Grant Shapps says ‘lots of people are still downloading app’ as government pledges to ‘tweak’ app’s sensitivity
During the first year of the pandemic 25 children and teenagers died as a direct result of Covid-19 in England and about 6,000 were admitted to hospital, according to the most complete analysis of national data on the age group to date.
Children seen to be at greatest risk of severe illness and death from coronavirus were in ethnic minority groups, and those with pre-existing medical conditions or severe disabilities.
Related: First year of pandemic claimed lives of 25 young people in England
Grant Shapps urged people not to ignore the NHS Covid app if they are “pinged” and advised to self-isolate.
Travel restrictions for people in England are due to be eased on July 19 but rules on self-isolation for people who are fully vaccinated will remain in place until August 16, raising fears that people will delete the app rather than risk having to cancel a holiday.
You shouldn’t ignore this because it is vital information. People should want to know if they have been in contact with somebody with coronavirus. You don’t want to be spreading it around. It can still harm people.
The medical experts will advise us on what the level of sensitivity should be relative to where we are, for example, to our vaccination programme overall.
We will follow scientific advice, keep this under review and tweak the app to be suitable to the circumstances of the time – double vaccination, for example, being at record highs in this country.
