Introducing SwissCovid, the official contact tracing app of Switzerland operated by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). SwissCovid is a voluntary and free app that complements conventional contact tracing carried out by the cantons. By installing and using the app, we can effectively contain the new coronavirus. With the combination of the app, contact tracing, and following hygiene and social distancing rules, we can keep the virus in check. The app uses encrypted IDs to measure encounters with other smartphones and allows check-ins at locations or meetings, alerting users of potential infection risks. Privacy is protected as data is stored locally on your smartphone and is subject to Swiss law. Download SwissCovid now to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Features of the app:
- Contact Tracing: The app complements conventional contact tracing carried out by the cantons. It anonymously measures encounters with other smartphones that have the app installed, recording situations in which the user is most likely to become infected with the virus.
- Minimum Technical Requirements: The app requires the Android 6 operating system or newer to be installed on the smartphone.
- Encounters Function: The app uses Bluetooth to transmit encrypted IDs, known as checksums, to measure the duration and proximity of encounters with other smartphones. Checksums are automatically deleted from the phone after two weeks.
- Check-in Function: Users can check into a location or meeting using the app, allowing them to be alerted if there is a risk of infection. Only the user's presence is stored in the app, ensuring privacy.
- Notification: If a user tests positive for the coronavirus, they receive a Covid code which activates the notification function in their app. This alerts other app users they were in close contact with or who checked in at the same location during the infectious period. Privacy is protected at all times.
- Privacy Protection: The data collected by the app is only stored locally on the user's smartphone. No personal or location data is sent to a central storage location or server, ensuring privacy. The app is limited to Switzerland and subject to Swiss law.
Conclusion: SwissCovid is an official contact tracing app of Switzerland that helps contain the new coronavirus. It complements conventional contact tracing and encourages voluntary usage by the public. The app offers features such as encounter tracking, check-ins, notification of potential exposure, and privacy protection. By using the app along with following hygiene and social distancing rules, the spread of the virus can be effectively contained.
