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A Bluetooth update to the Covid-19 Tracer app is released today.
Photo: RNZ
The update will create an anonymous record created of every person the user has been around.
If one of those people tests positive for the virus, the application will send an alert to the user.
It brings New Zealand in line with countries like Singapore that have been using Bluetooth-enabled contact tracing since March.
Although contact tracing will be easier with the Bluetooth update, anyone hoping this means less Covid QR code scanning will be out of luck.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins made it clear that the update is not a substitute.
“Bluetooth technology is anonymous and does not record your location, while its QR code tells you where you have been,” he said.
“We also found that in the contact tracing process, QR codes can be an important factor in people’s memory.
“Ultimately, we sometimes ask people to record exactly where they have been and who they have been in contact with up to two weeks ago.”
Even though Covid QR codes are posted on all store fronts along Queen Street in Auckland, not everyone has made good use of the current app.
Sarah said she hadn’t opened it since Auckland lowered its alert levels.
“Exit the levels, go down from levels 3 and 2, it stopped me because now you can go anywhere.”
Sharise admitted that she also had trouble remembering.
“I think people have forgotten to be honest, but I hope people continue to be consistent.”
Marie, however, had been diligently scanning all the places she went.
“If I get sick, I want people I may have been in contact with to be alerted immediately.”
When users log into the application today, a message should appear asking if the Bluetooth function can be activated.
Once approval is given, the app will start collecting data.
