The Government of Canada is seeking Canadians to beta test its COVID Alert exposure notification app for iOS and Android.
According to Canadian Digital Service (CDS), “This app is now in its Beta phase and we need your help to test it. Beta phase means the software is built, but we need people (like you!) to test the app and ensure it’s working smoothly.”
Requirements to test COVID Alert? You need to live in Canada and be over the age of 18. “No expertise about COVID-19 is needed”, the website explains.
How to sign up for the COVID Alert app beta test? Click here to sign up (it’ll ask for your email and what device you’re using), then download the iOS or Android app to your smartphone. You then need to complete a task using the COVID Alert app, then provide feedback on your experience. The whole process should take 2-4 days.
Below are a couple of screenshots of the COVID Alert iPhone app, shared with iPhone in Canada by reader @andrewe:
The exposure notification app was developed by Shopify, BlackBerry and the Government of Ontario, along with CDS.
The voluntary COVID Alert app is using technology from Apple and Google for exposure notifications, essentially allowing anonymous Bluetooth ‘handshakes’ between devices in the system background, allowing the app to function while your phone remains locked. All anonymous data stays on your device and is not uploaded to a central server.
We’re working with partners on the Government of Canada exposure notification app to help stop the spread of #COVID19 in #Canada.
This app is now in Beta phase! We need your help to test it. 👇
Learn more: https://t.co/tfIHiOxvDF pic.twitter.com/zr6uw3ffIB
— Canadian Digital Service (CDS) (@CDS_GC) July 22, 2020
If someone using the app tests positive for COVID-19, and you were within range of their device, you can be notified, if that person decides to report their positive test.
Earlier this week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he expects COVID Alert to launch on Friday in province, citing Ottawa was still testing the app, hence the ongoing delay.
Update July 23: Here are screenshots of the COVID Alert beta app for iPhone users.
Thanks Dave
