Santa Has Installed COVID Alert on His Smartphone Says Federal Government

According to Transport Canada, Santa Claus has installed the COVID Alert exposure notification app on his smartphone.

Aside from adding COVID Alert to his smartphone, Santa has also been maintaining proper social distancing between the elves in the workshop, to go with face coverings.

Before Santa’s sleigh takes off, there will be health check and temperature screenings as well, says the federal government.

“This year, it’s especially important for Santa to follow the measures in place for safe travel. Santa and his crew provide an essential service in Canada and I am thrilled to clear Santa for take-off in Canadian airspace this Christmas. I would like to remind Canadians to avoid non-essential travel and I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season,” said Marc Garneau Minister of Transport, in a statement.

Canadians can track Santa on Christmas Eve using the NORAD Santa Tracker and #NoradTracksSanta hashtag.

On a separate note, Portable North Pole can also make a free customized video from Santa.

“Pointing a laser at Santa or the reindeer is not a bright idea. Laser attacks can temporarily blind, disorient and distract Santa and the reindeer,” says the government. Don’t get on the naughty list, folks.

So let me get this straight–the North Pole supports COVID Alert but British Columbia and Alberta do not? Come on.

Canada’s COVID Alert app is based on Google and Apple’s exposure notification framework, which leverages Bluetooth on devices for anonymous “handshakes” in the background. The app does not use GPS info or collect any user data. It has been vetted as safe by Canada’s privacy commissioner and provincial counterparts.

When someone tests positive for COVID-19, they can anonymously alert others that may have been in contact using COVID Alert, by obtaining a one-time-use key from their provincial health authority.

Provinces currently supporting COVID Alert:

• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Ontario
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Northwest Territories

Still waiting for:

• Alberta (SHAME!)
• British Columbia (SHAME!)
• Nunavut
• Yukon

Download links: 

• COVID Alert for iOS
• COVID Alert for Android

As of December 15, COVID Alert has been downloaded 5.7 million times, with 9,153 people voluntarily entering in one-time keys, according to the federal government.