Thread: Covid 19 App poll.

Originally Posted by ChookD2

COVIDSafe app | Australian Government Department of Health

There is no mention of 1.5m.

It does state that "it notes the date, time, distance and duration of the contact" but I can't find any information that suggests that bluetooth distance measuring is all that accurate. At best the information I have seen and mostly don't understand, says that it is only accurate to within a few metres.

The Dept of Health site doesn't seem to mention an exact distance, but a huge number of other sources all use the figure of 1.5 metres.
eg.

The only information they are allowed to access is that of close contacts – when a person has come within approximately 1.5 metres of another app user for 15 minutes or more – in their jurisdiction,” Minister Robert said.

and

Released on Sunday, COVIDSafe uses Bluetooth to connect with other phones within 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) which also have the app installed. If they are in contact for over 15 minutes, the app records data such as the date, time, contact distance and duration, and the other user's encrypted identification code. This information is stored on the user's phone for 21 days, after which it is automatically deleted.

I suppose it is possible that one person like the Minister for Government Services made up the figure of 1.5 metres and every other source is just repeating that.

However, since the official Dept of Health site mentions that distance is one of the pieces of data recorded, it seem logical that the app is not simply recording every contact that comes within the maximum range of bluetooth on that particular device.

If officials are using that figure of 1.5 metres, then even allowing for the inaccuracy of bluetooth distance measurement, it seems unlikely that contact would be recorded for a phone 10 metres away.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I was in a Bunnings this morning and it was absolutely jumping, but they did have measures in place to limit the number of people in aisles.

Yes, but there are still people that completely ignore this - needed some stuff for a job at work so was there early (first hour Tradies only) and was waiting at the end of the nut and bolt aisle with a sign saying ‘6 only at a time’ - so me and another guy were patiently waiting, when another guy just walks past us both and mutters ‘**** that’ and just walks down the aisle.

Can’t do anything about stupid unfortunately.

COVID app alternatives.

The COVIDSafe app was just one contact tracing option. These alternatives guarantee more privacy

Originally Posted by bob10

COVID app alternatives.

The COVIDSafe app was just one contact tracing option. These alternatives guarantee more privacy

That's a very interesting article and raises important questions, such as why the data isn't encrypted, could terrorism laws force access to data and will contact tracing be built into Google and iPhones.
Plus today it was admitted the CovidSafe ap is interfering with a diabetes safety ap.
And state health authorities aren't able yet to access the data.

I like little phones that I can stick in my top pocket, so I just get the cheapies now (after a grey import Samsung screen locked up), the one I have won't even read QR codes, with 3 reader apps downloaded, so I don't fancy it's chances. Also the app I'm interested in is one that tells me which way to run when someone with C-19 approaches.

Well, I believe the "App" is a "No Brainer,",....it is designed to protect YOU, & US.
There are some on this forum who would never, in IMHO, vote for anything that they feel has not been orchestrated by someone of their particular political persuasion.....But whist it's not about that, some people obviously can't rise above that.
I have been tempted to mention the number of negative comments by one particular member with respect to the App, He's spoken so many times, so many times, about how it's not safe, no good, no-one's signed up, etc etc etc,...TOTALLY NEGATIVE all the time, totally ignoring all of the benefits that ARE beneficial to us all. I hope that none of his relos are affected, that may not have been, if they'd been "armed".
IMHO there are NO NEGATIVES to this app,..Just sign up for it, it ain't gonna harm you,..the Chief Medical Officer, who is "Non Political" has said DO IT, all it will do is enable "The Team" to more quickly locate infected people,....is that an issue with you? ...Given the reasons, please,...... forget politics,....Just DO IT, you'll be helping Aussie.
Pickles.
As usual, all IMHO, of course.
Just listening to the ABC, talking about Countries that are going ok with numbers, they mention South Korea,....NO CHOICE THERE,...if ya've got a phone, ya'll be tracked!

Originally Posted by Pickles2

the Chief Medical Officer, who is "Non Political"

Sorry but the Chief Medical Officer (Brendan Murphy) is the Secretary for the Federal Department of Health - so is very far from being independent nor being "Non Political".

Originally Posted by RANDLOVER

I like little phones that I can stick in my top pocket, so I just get the cheapies now (after a grey import Samsung screen locked up), the one I have won't even read QR codes, with 3 reader apps downloaded, so I don't fancy it's chances. Also the app I'm interested in is one that tells me which way to run when someone with C-19 approaches.

Have a look at the new iPhone SE reviews.

Small phone,same chip as an 11.

DL