Apple’s iOS 13.7 release includes COVID-19 ‘Exposure Notifications Express’

Apple wants to make it easier for Paul and Google health agencies to integrate into its coronavirus exposure notification system, creating a new option that will help them track and alert people to each other. Coronavirus infection Without running the application.

The new option, called Exposure Notifications Express, will allow people to join Apple Pal and Google’s coronavirus notifications without having to download the app from their local health department. This, both companies said, would help spread the adoption without putting pressure on health officials, some of whom have told tech companies that they do not have the tools to create applications.

Apple made updates available for its iPhone and iPad, as well IOS 13.7 is released on Tuesday, and Google says it will make the new system available for Android 6.0 or higher devices, with an update later this month.

“We’re making it easier and faster for them to use the exposure notification system without the need to create or maintain an application,” the two companies said in a joint statement. The companies said they would continue to support public health officials who have created their own applications, Such as in Canada, But are creating this new system to help the authorities who are not capable of creating them. “Exposure Notification Express provides another option for public health officials to complement their existing contact tracing operations with technology, without compromising on key issues of the user’s privacy and safety project.”

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The move marks a shift for Apple Pal and Google, which Began working on a joint coronavirus effort In the spring, when the spread of coronavirus became more pronounced. As of early September, more than 25 million people had been infected worldwide and more than 851,000 had died, according to figures collected by Johns Hopkins University. And while the spread continues, Apple Pal and Google’s project have struggled to gain massive adoption.

Apple Paul and Google, in an earlier iteration of their coronavirus system, relied on local health departments to create apps that penetrated companies’ communications and security systems. The tech giants said they would help executives create applications, but would place mostly responsibilities on them to keep the system working. As a result, only about 20 countries and territories have been launched so far, including only six of the US’s 0 states. Next, the U.S. About half the states and territories are exploring Apple’s and Google’s systems.

By switching to a new system, also called EN Express by the companies, Apple Pal and Google expect that the dramatically simplified approach will lead to more health departments that have decided to work with companies because of their need for resource building. And maintaining the application.

To get exposure notifications, people who use iPhones will be asked if the feature is available and will be able to turn it on in their settings.

For Android phones, Google will auto-generate an app for users to download, so public health officials don’t have to manually create or maintain apps. While this requires additional action by Android users, a Google spokesperson said the company believes this is the best way to get as many different types of Android hardware tools as possible.

New approach

Apple Paul and Google’s new approach allows health officials to submit a “configuration file” that indicates how potential exposure notifications will be turned on, what they will suggest to people to follow later, and information on any other contact efforts that may exist. Could. Their area. Apple Paul and Google say this is easier than creating an app, while still ensuring people’s privacy and security.

The head of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, Scott J., said in a statement issued by the companies. Baker said public health agencies place extraordinary emphasis on managing the novel’s coronavirus response. “The sooner we make it easier for state and regional public health agencies to develop and deploy, the sooner we can expand COVID-19 exposure notice in our communities and help end the epidemic.”