Covid Phone App

bull958

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Mar 4, 2009
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Had a driver coming through Canada Customs yesterday and they asked to see his phone. After looking at it the officer proceeded to ask him why he had not down-loaded the Covid app? Is this something that others are experiencing, or just a one off thing?
 
Had a driver coming through Canada Customs yesterday and they asked to see his phone. After looking at it the officer proceeded to ask him why he had not down-loaded the Covid app? Is this something that others are experiencing, or just a one off thing?

Yes, my drivers are experiencing it to. One of them was actually handed the attached instructions.
 

Attachments

It is an easy download that anyone can put onto their phone. Probably a good idea for everyone to have a look at.
 
This is a message from the Government of Canada.

Help protect yourself and your community. Download the COVID Alert app for free to help stop the spread of the virus.

The COVID Alert app lets users know if they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Available now in the App Store and Google Play.

For more information, contact 1-833-784-4397.

Freedom Mobile does not have any responsibility or liability for the COVID Alert app.


Received yesterday from my provider..
Well, if they are not liable, I'll pass for now...
 
Igor, the app was developed in cooperation with the Government of Canada. You load the app. Whenever you are out and about, your phone looks for other phones with the same app. If someone has been tested positive for Covid 19, they are provided with a code to enter into their app. If your phone finds them AND, you have been within a certain distance for a certain amount of time (can't remember those details, sorry), your phone will notify you. Nobody knows anybody elses name, address....nothing. What is the worst thing that could happen...you somehow receive a false notification? If so, you go get tested, not the end of the world by any means. In order to control this virus, testing and most importantly contact tracing are very, very critical. Anything we can all do to slow the spread is worthwhile. Please, investigate a little more and please, reconsider.
 
What really is the worst thing that could happen ...
Do you really believe that this app would just end with the end of Covid?

My personal opinion is that this is the first step on a long slippery slope of giving government the go ahead to follow you everywhere you go, literally see everything you are doing, listen to everything you are saying. You would literally be surrendering every freedom our forefathers fought and died for in every war of oppression throughout history the world over.
Imaginary News Flash ... there was a murder at the corner of Main and Every Streets an hour ago ...
Police to you ... Your phone was there when the murder was committed ...
You to police ... but I lost my phone a couple hours ago ...
Police to you ... How do we know that? Can you prove it?

Now you're a "person of interest". Yeah ... think about that !!!

Granted Covid's a nasty spot of business, but it's a cold, albeit a nasty one that could potentially kill 4% to 5% of the population. About 341 million people world wide.
Every authority on the virus is now saying there will be no vaccine cure. At best it will be as good as the flu shot ... essentially a roll of the dice.

It certainly is an apt solution to a concerning problem, but is it the right solution, or the best one?
Is it worth the price we are potentially going to have to pay?
 
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Michael, I understand your concerns, but really, this simple app is quite innocuous. I truly believe that in this particular instance, it might be stretching things to suggest that the government has some sinister, secret motive. While not a perfect solution to the virus problem, it may in some small way, help control the spread. Obviously, to each their own, but I downloaded it and I haven’t had any black camo uniformed guys sneaking around my place....yet. Now if you want to talk about placing technology into people’s bodies, I am on board because we all know.....resistance is futile.
 
Michael have you been hanging out at truckstops lately? :) The reality is they can just track our phone they do not need an app on it to know what and where you have been.
 
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Reactions: Shakey
Michael, I understand your concerns, but really, this simple app is quite innocuous. I truly believe that in this particular instance, it might be stretching things to suggest that the government has some sinister, secret motive. While not a perfect solution to the virus problem, it may in some small way, help control the spread. Obviously, to each their own, but I downloaded it and I haven’t had any black camo uniformed guys sneaking around my place....yet. Now if you want to talk about placing technology into people’s bodies, I am on board because we all know.....resistance is futile.
In Japan, right now, as we speak, you can choose to have your cell phone implanted in your hand. You're absolutely correct that resistance is futile, but rolling over isn't my style either ... LOL
 
Just in case the Borg are real, especially if they look like Jerry Ryan, I will keep all technology out of my body.
 
Instead of the COVID app that you mention here take a look at the ARRIVECAN app. It is an app created by the CBSA. It does take and save some personal information (name, address, phone, passport no) and shortly before you cross the border you answer some symptom questions. It then gives you a 6 digit key after submitting it. Write that on your ACI manifest and you should not be asked the questions and not asked to give your phone number and/or email. Sometimes they ask to see the number on the phone. 48 hours later your phone reminds you to update the app and confirm if your symptoms are the same or have changed.
You set it to not run in the back ground and only while using. There is no tracking or Bluetooth proximity process. It is just a tool CBSA uses to fulfill their requirements under the Quarantine Act and only for cross border. Our drivers are using it without any issue and are comfortable with it.

ARRIVECAN for IOS

ARRIVECAN for Android
 
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Anything that enhances the ability of Public Health to contact trace is a worthwhile effort in my opinion. When I tested positive at the end of March, contact tracing was virtually non existent and I am sure that led to the rapid spread of the virus in those early days. Being able to identify individual cases and especially clusters of cases, allows Public Health to limit the risk of exposure in the community. Similar to telling the fire department where the fire is located.