Bangladesh launches app on pilot basis to detect COVID-19 patients
The app utilises ‘Bluetooth’ signal to understand if you are near another Tracer app user, the website said, adding that it will help you in identifying whether you are at risk of COVID-19 infection by checking if you have been in recent contact with an infected individual
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division has launched a smart-phone based application (app) named ‘Corona Tracer BD’ on pilot basis for citizens across the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, reports news agency BSS.
State minister for ICT division Zunaid Ahmed Palak launched the app as the chief guest at an online programme on Thursday, a press release said.
ICT division senior secretary NM Ziaul Alam presided over the programme.
Information and Communication Technology Division (ICT- Division) is a department of the posts, telecommunications and information ministry.
Policy adviser of Access to Information (a2i) programme of the ICT division Anir Chowdhury, DGHS director general Abul Kalam Azad, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) director Meerjady Sabrina Flora and a2i project director Md Abdul Mannan were present, among others, on the occasion.
People can download the app from Google Play store(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shohoz.tracer), the release added.
According to the Google Play store website, ‘Corona Tracer BD’ is an initiative by the ICT division and the DGHS with the objective of bringing the people of Bangladesh together in the combined fight against COVID-19 and the technology is powered by Shohoz Ltd.
The app utilises ‘Bluetooth’ signal to understand if you are near another Tracer app user, the website said, adding that it will help you in identifying whether you are at risk of COVID-19 infection by checking if you have been in recent contact with an infected individual.
If your case seems risky, you will be able to seek medical help at the earliest and go into self-isolation, it said.