Virginia this week became the first U.S. state to release a COVID-19 exposure notification app using Apple's and Google's jointly developed API, as noted by Kyle Carmitchel on Twitter. The app is available now on the App Store.
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The COVIDWISE app allows you to be notified if someone you have been near later tests positive for COVID-19, so long as that other person confirms their positive test in the app. The system relies on the exchange of anonymous Bluetooth tokens between devices, with no location data or personal information collected or shared.
iPhone users must be running iOS 13.5 or later in order for exposure notification apps using the Apple/Google API to function, and the opt-in feature must be enabled first in the Settings app. Users who have upgraded to iOS 14 should note that exposure notification apps are only functional as of the fourth developer beta.
A growing list of countries have released apps based on the Apple/Google API, most recently including Canada's COVID Alert.
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You need to enter a code provided by authorities to prove you are positive.What is to stop someone from being a major ass and using these apps to falsely spread positive results?
That is what really makes me laugh when folks go on and on about gov't tracking you. You already have a cell phone, with GPS that is already tracked tower to tower. The gov't already knows where you are why would they need to create an app specifically for this, its built in. You basically are PAYING a company to track you.They won't want their government tracking them on their cellphones (I know it's not, but there is no way they won't think that).
Personally I don't think people can handle nuance based on observing them. It's either everything but grocery/pharmacy is closed or it's mardis gras parade everyone go crazy. People were pretty good about staying home. They are not good about the masks which they seem to think are a conspiracy. They won't want their government tracking them on their cellphones (I know it's not, but there is no way they won't think that).