Canada to introduce app to track COVID-19 exposure

The federal government is introducing a new smartphone app to notify Canadians of exposure to COVID-19.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave details about the program at his news briefing on Thursday.

It’s being introduced on a voluntary basis.

If someone tests positive for the virus, other users who have the app and have been in proximity will then be alerted.

PM says 30 million smartphones in Canada will be able to use the app, & each will get an anonymous code. If you come near another phone with the app it registers; if that person later tests positive for covid you get notice that you have come in contact with a case. @CHCHNews

— Lisa Hepfner (@LisaHepfnerCHCH) June 18, 2020

Canada is among the 20 countries hardest-hit by the virus, with over 100,000 cases recorded.

Testing of the app will soon begin in Ontario.

Governments in other countries who have tried similar technologies have seen technical issues and privacy concerns.