MORE than 40,000 people had downloaded the new track-and-trace coronavirus app by last night.

The Isle of Wight is the first area to get the app, which is being trialled here and tweaked before being rolled out to the rest of the country.

Island MP Bob Seely said this morning, that by yesterday teatime, there had been more than 40,000 downloads.

The NHS COVID-19 app will be part of a wider approach that will involve contact tracing and testing.

To get the app, go to http://covid19.nhs.uk

Many people have told the County Press the app doesn't work on older phones.

Currently, the app is supported on Android and Apple (iOS) phones, and support for Huawei phones is coming soon.

The app currently supports Apple iOS versions 11 and higher, and Android versions 8 and higher.

There are plans to support earlier versions of the operating systems in future, where possible.

UPDATED 6.15pm: Government minister Nadine Dorries has confirmed, as of 3pm today, 50,000 people have signed up, registering an Isle of Wight postcode.

Mr Seely said: "With an estimated 90,000 smartphone owners on the IW, this indicates to me the majority are now signed up."

Ms Dorries said: "A huge thank you to the residents of the Island for your support. I'm so proud the Island has responded in this way. There is now real momentum behind the tracing and testing scheme. I am confident this will continue over the coming days."