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Boris Johnson has not ordered his ministers to download the Covid-19 app but they are encouraged to do so, Downing Street said.
Business chiefs have warned of crippling staff shortages as the “pingdemic” sweeps the country due to rising cases and their contacts being traced by the app.
Asked whether ministers were expected to have the app active, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We think that the app is a really important tool and we would encourage everyone to use it.”
While “there is no set requirement”, the spokesman said “we would encourage everyone to download the app – those that haven’t already, a significant number already have – and to use it”.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are among those isolating after being identified as contacts of Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who tested positive for COVID-19.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey argued Mr Johnson should insist on his ministers using the app following reports some had deleted it.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, he said: “If a member of the Government refuses to post proof online that they use the Covid-19 tracing app, you should sack them on the spot.
“No app, no job – simple as that.”
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