Switzerland's official contact tracing app, SwissCovid, developed by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), offers a voluntary and free tool to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. This app works alongside traditional contact tracing methods employed by Swiss cantons. By using SwissCovid, individuals contribute to effective virus containment. Combining app usage with established hygiene practices and social distancing remains crucial for managing the pandemic. The app leverages encrypted identifiers to detect close proximity encounters with other app users and facilitates check-ins at specific locations or events, providing timely alerts about potential infection risks. User privacy is paramount, with data stored solely on the user's device and governed by Swiss law. Download SwissCovid today and join the effort to combat the coronavirus.

Key App Features:

• Contact Tracing Enhancement: The app supplements existing cantonal contact tracing efforts. It anonymously registers close-range encounters with other SwissCovid users, identifying high-risk exposure situations.

• System Requirements: Requires Android 6 or a later version.

• Encounter Tracking: Utilizes Bluetooth technology to transmit encrypted identifiers (checksums), recording encounter duration and proximity. Checksums are automatically deleted after a fortnight.

• Check-in Functionality: Allows users to digitally register their presence at locations or events, enabling notifications if an infection risk arises. Only attendance data is stored, safeguarding privacy.

• Exposure Notifications: Individuals testing positive receive a unique code that triggers alerts to other users who were in close contact or shared a location during the infectious period. Privacy is maintained throughout the process.

• Robust Privacy Measures: All data remains securely stored on the user's device. No personal or location data is transmitted to central servers or databases, ensuring compliance with Swiss data protection regulations. The app's functionality is strictly limited to Switzerland.

In Summary:

SwissCovid is a vital tool in Switzerland's fight against the coronavirus. It acts as a valuable supplement to traditional contact tracing, relying on voluntary public participation. Its features, including proximity tracking, check-in capabilities, exposure notifications, and robust privacy protection, make it a significant contribution to virus control. Combined with responsible hygiene and social distancing, SwissCovid significantly aids in limiting the spread of the virus.