NZ COVID Tracer

NZ COVID Tracer Screenshot 2 17SEP2020

NZ COVID Tracer is a contact tracing mobile application developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. The app was launched in May 2020 as part of the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. It is designed to help users keep a digital diary of the places they visit and to facilitate the process of contact tracing in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Features

The primary features of the NZ COVID Tracer app include:

• **Digital Diary**: Users can scan QR codes displayed at various locations to record their visits. This helps in maintaining a log of places visited, which can be useful for contact tracing.
• **Bluetooth Tracing**: The app uses Bluetooth technology to detect and record close contacts with other app users. This feature was introduced to enhance the app's ability to trace contacts without relying solely on QR code scans.
• **Push Notifications**: Users receive notifications if they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. This allows them to take appropriate actions such as self-isolation and getting tested.
• **Manual Entry**: Users can manually enter details of places they have visited if they are unable to scan a QR code.

Development and Launch

The NZ COVID Tracer app was developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Health in collaboration with various technology partners. It was launched on 20 May 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. The app has undergone several updates to improve its functionality and user experience.

Privacy and Security

The app has been designed with a strong emphasis on privacy and security. Key privacy features include:

• **Data Storage**: All data collected by the app is stored locally on the user's device. It is not shared with the Ministry of Health or any other third parties unless the user consents to share their data for contact tracing purposes.
• **Data Retention**: Data is automatically deleted after 31 days, ensuring that users' information is not kept longer than necessary.
• **User Control**: Users have full control over their data and can delete their digital diary entries at any time.

Usage and Adoption

The adoption of the NZ COVID Tracer app has been encouraged by the New Zealand government as a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19. The app has seen widespread use, particularly during periods of heightened alert levels and community transmission.

See Also

• COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand
• Contact tracing
• Bluetooth
• QR code
• New Zealand Ministry of Health