Andy Baryer - Handy Andy Media
Andy Baryer - Handy Andy Media
DIY Tech Guy

COVID Alert App is great - Here's what I want to see in the next update

03.08.20 06:24 PM Comment(s) By Andy Baryer - DIY Tech Guy

COVID Alert App is great - Here's what I want to see in the next update

The COVID Alert app is now available in Canada and everyone should download it. 


Here's some quick facts:

  • COVID Alert is available for free use and download from the Apple and Google Play app stores.
  • All aspects of COVID Alert are completely voluntary. Canadians can choose whether to download the app, whether to use the app after downloading it, and whether to notify others if they test positive for COVID-19.
  • COVID Alert does not collect any personal information, health information, or location data. It uses Bluetooth technology to send out encrypted codes to other nearby app users and was built using the Apple/Google framework for exposure notification to ensure that it leverages global best practices to protect privacy.
  • COVID Alert is a Digital First  Smart Initiative, one of many cross-government projects that focus on better outcomes and improving the customer experience.


I don't know if there will be an update but here is what I would like to see inside the app:


- Show how many people have downloaded the app. For it to be effective, we need at least 60-70% of the population to have it on their phone

- Allow people to share the app on their social media profiles. Canadians need a quick way to encourage their friends and family to download the app. Private companies do this all the time, the Federal Government should too

- Use Alert Ready, Canada's emergency alerting system  to encourage all Canadians to download it.  This technology is already in place for Amber Alerts, we should use it for this app as well. 


Let me know what other changes you think should come from this app.




Andy Baryer - DIY Tech Guy

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