Britain’s delayed virus app launched in England and Wales, after switching to Google-Apple API

London: The British government on Thursday finally launches its troubled smartphone app to help track the coronavirus in England and Wales—four months behind schedule and with cases once again surging.

The revamped app, which had first been planned for late May, uses Bluetooth technology to alert users if they spend 15 minutes or more within two metres (six feet) of another user who subsequently tests positive for Covid-19.

The tool, which will be available in numerous languages on Apple iPhones and various phone brands that use Android operating systems, offers other functionality including booking a test and checking into venues using QR codes.