Introducing SwissCovid, Switzerland's official contact tracing app, developed by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). SwissCovid is a free, voluntary app supplementing cantonal contact tracing efforts. Its use significantly aids in controlling the spread of the coronavirus. Combined with traditional contact tracing, hygiene practices, and social distancing, SwissCovid helps keep the virus at bay. The app utilizes encrypted IDs to anonymously record close encounters with other SwissCovid users and allows check-ins at various locations, providing users with timely alerts about potential infection risks. Data remains securely stored locally on your device, adhering to Swiss law and prioritizing user privacy. Download SwissCovid today to help curb the spread of coronavirus.
App Features:
- Contact Tracing: The app anonymously logs proximity encounters with other SwissCovid users, identifying high-risk situations. This complements existing cantonal contact tracing methods.
- Minimum System Requirements: Requires Android 6.0 or later.
- Encounter Tracking: Employs Bluetooth to transmit encrypted IDs (checksums), recording encounter duration and proximity. Checksums are automatically deleted after two weeks.
- Check-in Functionality: Allows users to check into locations or meetings, receiving alerts if a potential infection risk arises. Only user presence is recorded, maintaining privacy.
- Notifications: Users testing positive receive a COVID code activating in-app notifications, alerting close contacts and those who checked into the same location during the infectious period. Privacy is maintained throughout.
- Privacy Protection: All data is stored locally on the user's device. No personal or location data is transmitted to central servers, ensuring compliance with Swiss law and data privacy regulations.
Conclusion:
SwissCovid is a vital tool in Switzerland's fight against the coronavirus. By complementing traditional methods and encouraging voluntary participation, SwissCovid offers robust contact tracing, check-in capabilities, exposure notifications, and strong privacy protections. Using SwissCovid alongside established hygiene and social distancing measures effectively helps contain the virus's spread.
