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 novel coronavirus. Combined with traditional contact tracing, hygiene practices, and social distancing, SwissCovid helps keep the virus at bay. The app utilizes encrypted IDs to detect close proximity encounters with other SwissCovid users and facilitates check-ins at various locations, alerting users to 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 enhances existing cantonal contact tracing by anonymously logging close-proximity encounters with other SwissCovid users, identifying high-risk situations.
- Minimum System Requirements: Requires Android 6.0 or higher.
- 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 or those at shared locations during the infectious period. Privacy is maintained throughout.
- Privacy Protection: All data remains solely on the user's device. No personal or location data is transmitted to central servers, ensuring data privacy and compliance with Swiss law. The app's functionality is limited to Switzerland.
Conclusion:
SwissCovid is Switzerland's official contact tracing app, crucial in combating the novel coronavirus. It complements existing efforts, relying on voluntary public participation. Its features—encounter tracking, check-ins, exposure notifications, and robust privacy safeguards—make it a valuable tool. Using SwissCovid alongside hygiene and social distancing measures effectively limits the virus's spread.
