Matt Hancock launches contact-tracing app with Isle of Wight trial

Concerns raised over privacy, but health secretary claims there is huge enthusiasm'

A new contact-tracing app for managing the coronavirus outbreak will be piloted on the Isle of Wight this week, the health secretary has confirmed, despite concerns its centralised setup carries privacy risks and will reduce uptake.

Matt Hancock said there had been huge enthusiasm" on the island off the south coast of England for the idea of trying out the new app, which will alert users if they have been close to someone with the Covid-19 virus.