HEALTH secretary, Matt Hancock, has reassured Isle of Wight residents that data collected during the trace and track app trialling period will be kept safe with the 'highest levels of privacy'.

Local democracy reporter on the Isle of Wight, Louise Hill, asked the government officials today, as part of the daily coronavirus press briefing, about whether the app will keep residents data private and protected.

Mr Hancock said the app had been signed off by the National Cyber Centre and was designed with privacy and security front of mind.

He said:"The data is stored on an individuals phone and not shared until it needs to be with the NHS after a contact is made.

"This has the highest levels of privacy built in so we can ensure people in the nature of privacy and also that it can be effective and save lives."

Professor John Newton, coordinator of the national testing effort, confirmed the app does not hold any private information that is contained or generated within the app.

It was also announced this afternoon (Monday), the app will be rolled out first to NHS staff and keyworkers.

Asked whether this was enough data to make the app meaningful, Mr Hancock said it makes it easier to plan the pilot.

"Because of the fewer people, we can really support a person when we find a case."