BERLIN (Technology) – A contact tracing app for coronavirus will be ready for people in Germany to download and use on their smartphones within three to four weeks, according to Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn.
German federal and state government leaders announced that they would support voluntary contact tracing app use, when available so that people can quickly learn if and when they have had been exposed to those infected.
Developers are working hard to create an app making sure data protection standards are “as perfect as possible”, according to Spahn.
“For it to be really good, it needs more like three to four weeks rather than two weeks.”
– Jens Spahn, Germany’s Health Minister
Germany is now in the fifth place regarding coronavirus caseload behind the U.S., Spain, Italy and France.
The fatalities in the European country have been low as compared to the other places due to early and extensive testing.
The German authorities have been more cautious than a few Asian countries by making use of digital technology to fight the coronavirus.
They have been restrained by strict data privacy laws in Europe and have to be mindful of public scepticism towards surveillance which may be reminiscent of Nazi- or communist-era rule.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.
