Canada to launch mobile app designed to help notify Canadians of COVID-19 exposure

The development of the app is being led by the Canadian Digital Service, with the help of the Ontario Digital Service and Shopify. (Screenshot from covidshield.app/Website)

As Canada eases more coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions, more and more businesses and establishments are seen reopening as well as Canadians going outside their respective homes while observing the implemented safety protocols.

But following these precautionary measures does not guarantee that a person cannot be exposed or be in close contact with an individual who got infected with the COVID-19.

So to help Canada in its efforts to quell the further spread of the virus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday, June 18, that they will be launching a nationwide mobile app that will provide notifications to users that they have been exposed to COVID-19.

So how will this app, originally developed by the Ontario government, work? In the app, a health care provider will give a temporary code to someone who contracted the virus so they can upload their status to a national network without having to reveal their identity.

Other app users who come in contact with the COVID-19 positive person will also be notified that they have been exposed to the virus.

In addition, it will also provide information on steps that users can take to keep themselves and the people around them safe.

In terms of confidentiality and privacy, the app will not be disclosing the user’s identity and it will not ask for their personal information nor track their location.

Trudeau said it is for the Canadians to decide whether or not they will download the app, but stressed that it will be “most effective” if more people will use it.

“It is an extra layer of protection that goes on top of everything else we’re already doing, that’s why we are encouraging people to download the app once it becomes available in early July,” he said.

The development of the app is being led by the Canadian Digital Service, with the help of the Ontario Digital Service and Shopify. Blackberry, meanwhile, will be conducting a security review into the app, which incorporates Bluetooth technology provided by Apple and Google.

The Prime Minister announced this as Canada’s total number of coronavirus cases exceeded 100,000.