More key workers set to escape having to isolate after Covid app ‘ping’

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy More key workers are set to escape being told to isolate after being “pinged” by the NHS app, No 10 has hinted. He also appeared to backtrack on the idea of reducing the sensitivity of the app – revealed last week – saying: “It is working as it is designed to do.” The potential shift on the consequences if pinged comes as up to a fifth of workers in companies are having to self-isolate – threatening the production of goods. “If the UK workforce situation deteriorates further, companies will be forced to start shutting down production lines altogether.” Clinical NHS staff are already exempt from isolation after receiving an alert from the app if they have worn appropriate PPE, which could be extended to other NHS workers by the review. Asked about an exemption for the food production industry, the spokesman said: “I’m not going to get into hypotheticals industry by industry but, as I’ve said, we keep looking at the latest scientific evidence and data.” He again refused to say if the government believed predictions that millions will have to isolate in the weeks to come are correct, saying he was “not going to speculate”.