The Singapore app, called TraceTogether, is already being used overseas and works by tracking the location and all movements of the user allowing them to be notified if they’ve come close with a confirmed case of the virus.
It also allows you to contact your doctor after being notified and to track your symptoms.
While the app is likely to generate debate over cyber security and privacy, others suggest it’s a small price to pay to protect the health of the community.
For the app to work effectively, roughly 40 per cent of the population would need to be using it.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rejected making the app mandatory but wants at least 40 per cent of the community to embrace the project, to make it as powerful as possible in finding people with coronavirus before they infect others.
Increased testing and strict tracing of contact with infected people are a key element in being able to gradually ease shutdowns and social distancing measures.
“Obviously there’s a conversation to have with the community about the acceptability of it, but we think that idea, the TraceTogether app, is a really excellent one,” Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said on Tuesday.
“We’re actively looking at that as part of a measure that might be used to perhaps consider some relaxation of measures.”
The app operates via bluetooth and users would be required to share relevant records with authorities for it to be effective.
See how it works here:
