COVID-19 tracing app Bluezone hits over 39 million users

Thứ Hai, 05/07/2021, 15:48

PSNews - The Ministry of Information and Communications on July 4 announced that, some 39.18 million smartphone users had downloaded Bluezone, a locally-developed contact-tracing app to identify and alert people who have interacted with COVID-19 patients.

Bluezone application was launched on April 18.

According to the latest data reported by the Ministry of Information and Communications, Bac Ninh province saw the highest rate of smartphone users downloading the app. It was followed by Hanoi, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Da Nang, Binh Duong, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh city.

Earlier, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung has urged localities to step up communications work to have at least 30-40 percent of the population using the app, contributing to facilitating the rapid tracing of infections.

Developed by tech firm Bkav, the app uses Bluetooth Low Energy, a wireless personal area network technology, to link with smartphones within a two-meter distance.

If a user is positive for SARS-CoV-2 (known as person F0), health authorities can identify those who had close contact with F1, and the system will alert them about the risk of infection. They will be also provided with instructions on contacting health authorities for assistance.

The app is completely confidential, anonymous, and transparent, as it only stores data on users’ phones and does not transfer information or locations to the system.

The development of Bluezone was overseen by the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Health. It was launched on April 18.

By Linh Bui