Switzerland Launches App To Alert People Of Covid Exposure

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Switzerland Launches App To Alert People Of Covid Exposure

Switzerland has launched an app that uses Google and Apple’s contact-tracing API to track potential Covid exposure. The ‘Swiss Covid’ app is currently in its pilot phase and will be rolled out to the public soon. The app is currently available to members of the army, hospital workers, and civil servants.

How Does It Work?

The app uses Bluetooth signals to keep track of the other phones near the user. If a user develops Covid symptoms, they log it in the app. This, then alerts other users who have spent more than 15 minutes within 2 meters of the user. The app does not store any personal data and in addition, all data is deleted automatically after 21 days. However, the contact tracing does leave the phone, unless authorized by the user.

Other Covid Apps Introduced Across The World

Other countries like the UK and France, have built their own contact tracing app. Recently, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi launched a new app called TraceCovid. The app identifies people who have been in close contact with the virus, using bluetooth technology. Authorities can then reach out to individuals who might have been infected and provide them with the necessary treatment.

In order to use the app, you need to download it and ensure you have your bluetooth turned on. In case a user tests positive, authorities will then reach out to other might possibly be infected. Authorities will also be able to track user’s data and timestamp, while ensuring complete privacy of personal information.

The app is available on both IOS and Android, simply search TRACECOVID, install it and enable Bluetooth. In case you are in close proximity to someone who has installed the app, both your phones will exchange an  encrypted Secure Tracing Identifier. In case one of the users get infected, this will help authorities to access the user’s data.