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 manage the virus effectively. 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 coronavirus transmission.
App Features:
- Contact Tracing: The app enhances existing cantonal contact tracing by anonymously recording close-proximity encounters with other app users, identifying high-risk situations.
- Minimum Requirements: Requires Android 6 or later.
- Encounters Function: Employs Bluetooth to transmit encrypted IDs (checksums), measuring encounter duration and proximity. Checksums are automatically deleted after two weeks.
- Check-in Function: Allows users to check into locations or meetings, receiving alerts if a potential infection risk arises. Only user presence is recorded, preserving privacy.
- Notifications: Users testing positive receive a COVID code activating in-app notifications, alerting close contacts and 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 compliance with Swiss law and data privacy regulations.
Conclusion:
SwissCovid is Switzerland's official contact tracing app, designed to combat the novel coronavirus. It complements existing efforts and encourages voluntary public participation. Its features—encounter tracking, check-ins, exposure notifications, and robust privacy safeguards—combine to effectively limit virus transmission. Using SwissCovid alongside hygiene and social distancing measures significantly contributes to containing the spread of the virus.
