The RCP has responded to the rollout of the coronavirus contact tracing app across England and Wales.
Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said: “We are at a defining point in the pandemic. It is more important than ever that we have measures in place and work together to tackle the upward trajectory of the virus, which Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty warned us about.
“The NHS COVID-19 app is a step in the right direction but ongoing evaluation and improvement will be important to ensure it is fit for purpose and ultimately works in a clinical setting. Feedback from users must be acted on quickly.
“The government must also ensure messaging is clear and people know, for example, that their data is anonymous. As the situation evolves, policy makers are having to be responsive in the way public health guidance is developed, and we do not want people to be worried about using the app for fear of being identified and fined if they break the changing rules."