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 containing the spread of the novel coronavirus. Combined with traditional contact tracing, hygiene practices, and social distancing, SwissCovid helps keep the virus under control. The app utilizes encrypted IDs to anonymously log proximity encounters with other SwissCovid users and allows for location check-ins, 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: This feature anonymously logs proximity encounters with other SwissCovid users, identifying high-risk interactions. It complements existing cantonal contact tracing methods.
- Minimum Technical Requirements: Requires Android 6 or higher.
- Encounters Function: Employs Bluetooth to transmit encrypted IDs (checksums), recording 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, safeguarding 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 stored locally on the user's device. No personal or location data is transmitted to central servers. The app's functionality is limited to Switzerland and subject to Swiss law.
Conclusion:
SwissCovid is Switzerland's official contact tracing app, designed to help control the spread of the novel coronavirus. It complements existing efforts and relies on voluntary public participation. Its features—encounter tracking, check-ins, exposure notifications, and robust privacy protection—combine to effectively mitigate the virus's transmission when used alongside hygiene and social distancing measures.
