Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three are among the mobile firms set to give their customers free access to www.nhs.uk and 111.nhs.uk for the latest health information about coronavirus without worrying about data costs.
The move is designed to ensure everyone can get verified, up to date NHS information and advice, free from misinformation, without using up their data allowance or mobile credit.
In response to the outbreak, people with mild symptoms are being encouraged to visit nhs.uk/coronavirus for advice, and to avoid the illness by washing their hands more often and for at least 20 seconds with water and soap.
The partnership, led by the NHS and its partners with industry, comes as health bodies and government are helping people to self-isolate if they experience symptoms of the virus, most commonly a high temperature or a new continuous cough.
Free access to online NHS services will be available for as long as coronavirus remains prevalent in the UK.
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:
“In the face of the continued spread of coronavirus, it is vital everybody can access the latest verified public health advice on the NHS website when they need to – so everyone knows exactly what they should be doing to keep themselves and others safe.
“We have been clear this must be a national effort and so I’m delighted that mobile companies will be offering free data to browse NHS.uk.
“This will ensure everyone can access the guidance they need and avoid dangerous misinformation, without incurring data charges, and is an important contribution to the next stage of our plan to delay the spread of the virus.”
Matthew Gould, Chief Executive of NHSX, said:
“This is a helpful step by the mobile firms to give everyone free access to the latest NHS information online.
“It will help spread NHS guidance, and tackle online misinformation. Getting the public verified NHS information will help cut through the noise and help people get expert, safe advice.”
The new partnership confirmed today has been supported by Snook, the NHS.uk design agency and Nominet – the firm responsible for the site’s domain.
The four major firms are the first of what is expected to be a line of providers ready to make online content more accessible through this type of partnership.
