Appreciate that - although i dont think money is necessarily the constraint in number of tests either, although i may be incorrect. I thought it was more logistics of not having enough
The app is already in use in other countries, including here in Singapore. It works by recording via bluetooth any contacts within 2m (or 5m if over a period of 30mins), but doesn't release that data unless someone develops symptoms. If the person who develops symptoms has the app, the authorities can download the data and instantly trace and track anyone that person has come into contact with (who also had the app). Not foolproof but its a useful tool to help identify people who may have the virus, alongside the police, health ministry special teams etc who are all working to track down potential virus carriers. I've also been getting calls every day from the ministry of health here since I arrived back from the US - even though I didn't have a stay at home notice, I was identified as someone coming in from a high risk country, and they are following every single person up that has flown into Singapore. Kind of puts the UK effort into perspective, though admittedly it's much easier with only 5,5m population vs UKs 65m+.