The NHS Covid-19 app has stopped working for many iPhone owners, who are unable to get it to launch.
Users report being stuck at a blue loading screen with the contact-tracing app's logo - but nothing else happens.
The NHS has published a workaround for the problem in its help files, but has not said what caused the problem or when it will be fixed.
NHS Covid-19 app suffers 'blue screen' glitch on iPhones https://t.co/zvmOwNodJo
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 16, 2020
Apple does not believe the problem is at its end, since it has not seen the issue arise in other countries' apps.
Many different nations use the same underlying technology, which is designed by Apple and Google, to notify users if they were recently near to someone who subsequently tested positive for the virus.
Some users have deleted and reinstalled the app to fix the fault, but that deletes useful information - this includes a log of venues the user has checked into via QR barcode scans.
The NHS's workaround instead asks users to reset their iPhone's location and privacy settings. It also recommends users have the most up-to-date version of Apple's iOS operating system downloaded and installed.
But carrying out the reset prevents all apps on the handset from using the device's location until they are granted permission again.
Some users have said they fixed the problem by force-quitting the app - which can be done by flicking the frozen screen up and off the display - and then re-launching it.
The problem first emerged last week, but complaints became more frequent over the weekend and into Monday.
The cause, however, remains unclear.
In a statement, the Department of Health and Social Care said it was aware of the issue.
"The app is still scanning, even if the screen appears blue," it said.
"There are simple steps iPhone users can take to resolve this issue, which are set out on the app's website, and work is underway to identify the cause.
"Users experiencing this issue should make sure their Apple iOS is updated to the latest version of the software."
Latest Stories
-
Sports facilities are better managed by institutions – UG Sports Director on maintenance of Legon stadium
17 mins -
Ghanaian businesses must align vision with strategy to mitigate ESG Risks – KPMG
28 mins -
MTN achieves 30% localisation of Scancom PLC
28 mins -
Attorney-General: Some lawyers sacrifice ethics for ‘cheap’ political gains
40 mins -
Bond market: Volume up by 12.45% to GH¢746m
41 mins -
Cedi records year-to-date loss of nearly 29%; one dollar going for GH¢17.10
49 mins -
‘Our priorities are wrong in Ghana’ – UG Sports Director on sports development
49 mins -
The Fourth Estate’s investigative report wins 2nd place at 2024 AIJC
1 hour -
GPL: Our fans spur us on – GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso on unbeaten run
2 hours -
Plantain chips are breaking hearts in Africa
2 hours -
61 new architects acquire state license to practice in Ghana
2 hours -
Masloc CEO honoured as capacity building Shero of the Year
2 hours -
MPs’ Repeated Attempts to Sue the Speaker: Unintended Consequences for the 2024 Elections?
3 hours -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
3 hours -
Galamsey: Investigation into attack on Joy News’ Erastus Asare and colleagues already growing cold
3 hours