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Singapore is using a high-tech surveillance app to track the coronavirus, keeping schools and businesses open. Here's how it works.

Singapore is using a high-tech surveillance app to track the coronavirus, keeping schools and businesses open. Here's how it works.

The app, TraceTogether, can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Slideshows1 min read

The app will appear on the home screen, featuring the TraceTogether logo.

Upon opening the app, users are greeted with a reminder that it will constantly use Bluetooth to determine their proximity to other users.

Users are then prompted to enable Bluetooth permissions.

iPhone users are asked to keep the app open so it can keep using Bluetooth, which iOS will otherwise throttle to save battery life. Users are also prompted to share the app with others.

The app prompts users to input their mobile number, which the Singapore government says is paired with an anonymized ID for tracking.

Once users grant the app permission, it will begin tracking the user's movements and logging other people they come in close contact with.

If a user's location shows that they were close to someone who has tested positive for the virus, the app will prompt that person to send their app logs to the government, which will organize a COVID-19 test.

In addition to the app, the Singapore government sends people the status of COVID-19 in the country via WhatsApp twice per day.

The WhatsApp messages include the number of new and recovered cases, as well as the specific locations of suspected outbreaks.

We get official updates 2x a day via WhatsApp. We also got a video message from Singapore's prime minister a few weeks ago reassuring and calming everyone down.
This is a masterclass in crisis communications and management from the Singapore government.#COVID19 #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/VylMQbSUcZ

— Andrew Au (@AndrewAu) February 25, 2020

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