NHS workers may not have to self-isolate if pinged by Covid app amid fears of staffing crisis

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 Ministers are considering a special exemption for NHS staff from having to self-isolate if they are “pinged” by the NHS Covid app, due to worries of a staffing crisis in hospitals. A Downing Street spokesperson said the government was looking at exempting NHS staff “ahead of step 4” of England’s roadmap out of lockdown on 19 July. Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive at NHS Providers, told The Independent: “We think NHS staff should be able to carry on working even if they are pinged by the app – so long as they are double vaccinated.” She added: “The government should bring that in as soon as possible. “I’m equally worried by the fact that, driven I think by the likely high numbers told to self-isolate, the stories of people deleting the app altogether.” open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer says tweaking the app would ‘weaken Covid defences’ Transport secretary Grant Shapps pleaded with people not to ignore the NHS Covid app if they are pinged and advised to self-isolate.