First state launches COVID-19 contact tracing app based on Apple/Google platform

Aug 06, 2020 - 03:06 PM
COVID19 Web Sized

Virginia yesterday launched the first COVID-19 contact tracing app based on the exposure notifications system application programming interface developed by Apple and Google.

The free COVIDWISE app relies on Bluetooth technology rather than collecting users’ personal information or location data. Developers said the app can notify users if they have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. COVIDWISE uses random Bluetooth keys that change every 10 to 20 minutes. iOS and Android devices on which the app is installed will anonymously share these random keys if they are within close proximity for at least 15 minutes.

Each day, the device downloads a list of all random keys associated with positive COVID-19 results submitted by other app users and checks them against the list of random keys it has encountered in the last 14 days.

In the event of a match, COVIDWISE may notify the individual, taking into account the date and duration of exposure, and Bluetooth signal strength, which is used to estimate proximity.

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