Canada to Launch Nationwide COVID-19 Contact Tracing App Based on Apple/Google Technology - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Canada to Launch Nationwide COVID-19 Contact Tracing App Based on Apple/Google Technology

by

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced that Canada plans to launch a nationwide COVID-19 contract tracing app based on Apple's and Google's Exposure Notification API, as noted by iPhone in Canada. Trudeau said the app is slated for release in early July, with testing set to begin in Ontario soon.

covid exposure example app

COVID Shield, a reference for public health authorities to build their own apps

Canada will join a growing list of countries that have committed to using the API, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Latvia, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and others. At least three U.S. states are also adopting the solution.

Built into iOS 13.5 on the Apple side, the API allows iPhones and Android smartphones to interface with one another for contact tracing purposes. If and when you happen to be nearby someone who later tests positive for COVID-19, you can receive a notification and take the appropriate steps to self isolate and seek medical help if necessary.

Apple and Google have stressed the privacy of their Bluetooth-based solution, which must be enabled in the Settings app under Privacy > Health > COVID-19 Exposure Logging to function. Read our Exposure Notification guide for more details.

Tags: COVID-19 Coronavirus Guide, Exposure Notification Guide

Top Rated Comments

WiseAJ Avatar
WiseAJ
76 months ago
Once again the US is behind the rest of the world.

America First. Safety maybe Fourth or Fifth.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
mnsportsgeek
76 months ago
It's too bad that this got so little traction in the US.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WiseAJ Avatar
WiseAJ
76 months ago

Maybe the US will finally get some C19 tracking by 2030 at the pace we're going.
2021 if we have a good November. 2025 if its not.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Y
york2600
76 months ago
Maybe the US will finally get some C19 tracking by 2030 at the pace we're going.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
luvbug Avatar
luvbug
76 months ago
Well, at least our neighbor to the north has a plan, but since it takes more than a tweet or two to actually accomplish something, I don't think you'll see the US follow suite.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
CygnusTC
76 months ago
Google & Privacy? Those two words never go together in a sentence!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments