Prominent Islanders have been downloading the coronavirus track-and-trace app as it becomes available.

And businesses including Wightlink and the County Press have been urging their staff to get the app and help saves lives in the pandemic.

Welcome to the Isle of Wight star Derek Sandy also got the app today and was pictured with his son Alex Cassidy trying it out at his home.

Isle of Wight Council member and Ryde businessman Wayne Whittle has downloaded it as has council leader Cllr Dave Stewart.

Wightlink is giving its full support to the new contact tracing app.

The ferry company will be encouraging its 171 staff living on the Isle of Wight to sign up – as well as mainland colleagues travelling across The Solent – and will actively promote the app throughout their ports and social media channels.

Keith Greenfield, CEO of Wightlink, said: “I am very proud the Isle of Wight is leading the country in the fight against Covid-19. Isle of Wight residents have acted responsibly in observing the travel restrictions and in doing so have already made a huge contribution to keeping the Island safe.”

“We are standing shoulder to shoulder with Islanders in the battle against Covid-19 and supports the NHS, MP and the Isle of Wight Council in all efforts to beat this disease and help the Island return to normality.”

Alan Marriott, editor of the County Press, said "I have asked all our staff to consider downloading the app.

"I believe it is the right thing for the Isle of Wight and, ultimately, the whole country."

If you have questions about how the app works and how to download it, this article may help.