Canada has a new government-approved app, called COVID Alert, to detect possible exposure to the Coronavirus. It is designed to function as an extra layer of protection to add to physical distancing, hand-washing and wearing masks… and privacy for users is built in.
How does it work?
It works by exchanging random codes with nearby phones using Bluetooth wireless technology. Every day, the app checks the list of random codes on your phone with codes from phones belonging to people who later entered a code supplied by Public Health to tell the app they tested positive. If you’ve been near a phone with one of these codes in the previous 2 weeks, within 2 meters for at least 15 minutes, the app will alert you to get tested or call Public Health. The data is stored on each individual phone, not a central server, maintaining each person’s privacy. The user isn’t told where, when or with whom the possible exposure occurred… the app simply directs them to call public health for advice. For most of us, this means calling 811.
The downside of this design is that it’s impossible for researchers to measure how effective the app is… it’s the price being paid for a high level of privacy. However, they can measure the rate of download among Canadians, the number of positive codes given out, and users willingness to follow the advice given by Public Health after making the call.
It’s easy to understand that the app’s success will depend on how many Canadians download the app, and relies on each provincial government to opt in. So far, only Ontario is giving out codes to those who test positive, although Prime Minister Trudeau has suggested that the Atlantic Provinces (eastern Canada, where I live) are expected to join next and several other provinces have indicated that they plan to join. I can’t help wondering what the hold-up is – my husband and I downloaded the app when we first read about it a couple of weeks ago – but it must have something to do with generating the codes when someone tests positive for the virus.
And, of course, there are some people who don’t have a cell phone or who don’t carry it with them regularly. However, a research team at Oxford University suggested that if 60% of the British population downloaded their app it would be effective in stopping the epidemic. This number is believed to apply to other countries also. But the researchers also believe that lower numbers – as low as 15% or possibly less – could still make a difference by detecting cases early enough to prevent spread of the virus.
Within the first 2 weeks, the app had been downloaded almost 2 million times…that represents 5% of Canada’s population. Because of the design, however, it’s not clear in which provinces the users are located. I would encourage all Canadians to download the app so they will be in the system as soon as their province goes online with the system.
To download the app, just go to Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store and search “COVID Alert”. It’s free and secure!
Reusing disposable masks
We all know about the shortage of protective equipment, especially masks. Many (like me!) have been making their own masks and supplying family and friends and we are starting to see them for sale in various locations, both cloth and disposable ones.
However, the top level N95 masks are still a precious commodity, mostly reserved for health care workers. There has been much debate about whether these can be sterilized and reused and, finally, a research team has found a simple way to do this.
The used masks can be stacked and placed in a dry electric cooker (a toaster oven or rice cooker works fine) at 212F (100C) for 50 minutes. They tested the masks afterward and, even after 20 sterilizing cycles, the masks maintained their ability to filter, their shape and still properly fit the wearer’s face. They recommend placing a cloth or towel under the masks to avoid direct contact with the oven’s surface.
Presumably, this procedure could be used for disposable medical masks as well. You’d want to ensure any strings or ear loops are kept away from the heating element. Cloth masks, however, are still recommended to be washed in hot soapy water after each use. I swish then soak mine in a bucket of water for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse, then roll in a towel to absorb excess water so they’ll dry faster and hang them to dry overnight. I also press mine with a steam iron for additional heat sterilization and to make them look nice!
If you’re a Canadian reader, please go to your phone app store and download the COVID Alert app right away so you’ll be ready for implementation in your province. If you live elsewhere, join your country's warning system or encourage your local politicians to initiate one, and we’ll all work to stop this pandemic in every way possible.
References:
Download COVID Alert today – Government of Canada
Misconceptions persist about the effectiveness and privacy of Canada’s COVID Alert app – CBC News
Dry heat can effectively sanitize N95 masks – Medical News Today
