By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

PM: Government to roll out COVID-19 contact tracing app

Jun 18, 2020 | 9:28 AM

The federal government is putting more focus on testing and contact tracing as cases seem to be steadying across the country.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a nation-wide, mobile app is being developed that will notify users if they’ve been exposed to COVID-19. The app will be available in the coming weeks, he said.

“We’re starting to reopen parts of the economy and that’s welcome news for everyone. But as we start loosening some restrictions we also have to strengthen other measures so that we don’t lose the progress we’ve made,” said Trudeau.

The program is being led by the Canadian Digital Service with the help of Shopify, Blackberry and the Ontario government.

Trudeau stressed the app is completely voluntary, but it “will be most effective when as many people as possible have it.”

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

12h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner

Dec 06, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

CHAT News producer makes 'emotional' return to Medicine Hat's old arena

Dec 06, 2024

The app works in a similar way to the ABTraceTogether app released in Alberta last month, but will work in the background, unlike the Albetta one.

Health professionals will help those who test positive for COVID-19 to anonymously upload their status to a national network. Other users of the app who have been in proximity to that person will be alerted they’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive and will be encouraged to reach out to health authorities.

Trudeau said at no time will personal information be collected or shared and location services will not be used.

The announcement came as the country passed 100,00 cases of COVID-19.

As of Thursday morning, Canada had 100,009 confirmed cases and 8,257 deaths. There have been 62,017 recovered in Canada and 2,254,481 Canadians tested.

In Alberta, there are 7,530 cases and 151 deaths. A total of 318,276 Albertans have been tested. There are 486 active cases in Alberta.