The NHS Covid 19 app used by millions since the start of the pandemic is closing down.

It comes as the service announced the number of people actively using it has steadily reduced.

Users have received a message on their mobile app but will be able to use all features until the official closing date on April 27.

A statement by the NHS said since access to government-funded testing ended for most people, fewer positive test results have been entered in the app and, as a result, fewer notifications have been sent to close contacts.

It also stated the vaccination programme meant more people have access to treatment and the population as a whole has a higher immunity to the disease.

"The UK Health Security Agency is committed to providing the most effective public health services and has decided to close the app down," it said.

"It will use the knowledge, technology and lessons learned from the app to help respond to future pandemic threats."

On July 1 2020, the app became part of the Department of Health and Social Care's NHS Test and Trace Programme.

It was then launched across England and Wales on September 24 ,2020, and was used alongside traditional contact tracing with the aim of helping to reduce the spread of the virus.

The NHS say people using the app in England and Wales have helped to break chains of transmission and reduce infections.

Leading scientists at the University of Oxford and University of Warwick have estimated that the app prevented around one million cases, 44,000 hospitalisations and 9,600 people dying during its first year.

The app would advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

It would also enable you to check symptoms, book a free test if needed and get your test results.

Experts still warn those experiencing Covid symptoms to continue to follow the latest guidance, including reporting NHS lateral flow test results on GOV.UK.

If you’re eligible for Covid treatment, you must report your result so the NHS can contact you about treatment.