Google says it is working quickly to investigate problems with Android apps that use the Android Exposure Notification System to track the spread of COVID-19. An unknown issue is causing applications to take longer to load or conduct regular exposure checks. The NHS COVID-19 app that is used across England and Wales is affected by this Android issue, with a loading notification stuck in the notification area for many users.
“We are aware of an issue affecting Android applications developed using the Android Exposure Notifications System,” said a Google spokesman in a statement to the The Verge. “Our engineers are investigating the problem.”
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We understand that Google is urgently working to identify the source of these problems and fix them as soon as possible. These issues are affecting all applications worldwide that use the Android Exposure Notifications System.
More than 10 million people in England and Wales downloaded the NHS COVID-19 app in September, but it is unclear how many downloads have been made so far or the split between iOS and Android.
Google first introduced its coronavirus tracking system for Android in April 2020. The app uses Bluetooth to transmit data anonymously and help enable tracking and tracking programs around the world.