The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, announced last week that COVID Alert, a new national mobile App, was available to Canadians for free download. The app, first developed in Ontario, helps notify users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Within the first 3 days of the COVID Alert App’s availability, it received 1.1 million downloads. Canadian Digital Services Tweeted, “1.1 million downloads of COVID Alert exposure notification App! You never cease to amaze us, Canada!”
On Apple’s App Store, the COVID Alert App is trending as the #1 Medical App, and the App has 4.8/5 star reviews with overall positive feedback from the users. There are comments from the users on App Store that it requires iOS 13.5 or later, which makes it not possible to use it with older iPhone devices. Apple download link.
On Google Play, the requirement is version 6.0 and up, and the App has 4.4/5 star reviews. Google download link.
The use of COVID Alert is voluntary and serves as another tool to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Once the app is fully functioning in their province or territory, users who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a one-time-key from their health authority that they can enter into the app. When the key is entered, COVID Alert will notify other users who may have come in close contact with that person for at least 15 minutes in the past 14 days, so they can contact their local public health authority for guidance.
To safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of all Canadians, the app uses strong measures to protect any data it collects and does not track a user’s location or collect personally identifiable information. The Privacy Commissioners of Canada and Ontario were consulted on the development of COVID Alert, to ensure the highest level of privacy for Canadians using the app.
The Government of Canada has been working in close partnership with the Province of Ontario to launch the COVID Alert app. Health authorities in Ontario will be the first to begin distributing one-time keys. The Government of Canada is also working with the other provinces and territories to bring their jurisdictions on board in the coming weeks and months.
The new COVID Alert app is just one example of how the Government of Canada is working with the provinces, territories, and other partners to protect the health of all Canadians, and support efforts to restart the economy gradually and safely.
“While we have made good progress over the past few months, COVID-19 remains a very serious threat to the health of Canadians. As we continue to gradually restart our economy, innovative technologies like this new app will help us keep our families and communities safe and healthy.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“I am proud of the fact that this Ontario-made app will now be available to individuals and families right across the country. It will be another powerful tool to help us stop the spread of this deadly virus and keep people healthy and safe. I encourage everyone to download it onto your handheld device, it is free, easy to use, and the responsible thing to do.” The Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
“To safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of all Canadians, the COVID Alert app uses strong measures to protect any data it collects and does not track a user’s location or collect personal information.” Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland tweeted on Tuesday, August 4.
Quick Facts
- COVID Alert is now available for Canadians as a free download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app assigns a random code to a user’s device that pings other users of the app via Bluetooth when they are within a range of approximately two metres. If they test positive for the virus, users can choose to upload their random codes to a central server located in Canada. Once uploaded, the random codes are stored on the server for 15 days, after which they are automatically deleted.
- The app has undergone a security assessment by BlackBerry and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. All data provided to the app will be securely stored and protected.
- COVID Alert complements the existing Canada COVID App, a tool that supports Canadians in tracking their symptoms while allowing them to receive the latest updates and access trusted resources.
- Download COVID Alert
Source: pm.gc.ca / social media
