Saskatchewan is set to launch COVID Alert “over the next couple of weeks,” according to Premier Scott Moe, speaking to media on Wednesday, joining Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador in supporting the app.
“It will then be one additional tool that will be available for the people of this province to ensure that we are flattening the curve and continuing to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Moe, according to The Star Phoenix.
COVID Alert for iOS and Android runs on the Exposure Notification framework from Apple and Google. It allows smartphones to have digital “handshakes” in the background using Bluetooth. Exposure is considered contact within two metres for 15 minutes or more with another individual.
The app does not use GPS data, is anonymous, and does not collect any personal information, such as phone numbers. The open source app has been vetted and approved by federal and provincial privacy commissioners. Users who test positive for COVID-19 can choose to anonymously alert others in the app of exposure to coronavirus, after receiving a one-time use token from provincial authorities.
Earlier today, Newfoundland and Labrador announced it would support COVID Alert on September 3, 2020.
Since launching on July 31 in Ontario, COVID Alert has hit 2.2 million downloads.
