Japan launches coronavirus contact app, reopens remaining businesses
Mobile apps
Japan has launched a smartphone application that notifies users who have come into close contact with anyone infected with the coronavirus.
The COVID-19 Contact Confirming Application, or COCOA, was created by the Health Ministry using technology developed by Apple and Google.
The free app logs users' data via phone Bluetooth when they are within a meter (yard) of each other for 15 minutes of longer. If any of them test positive and disclose their results in the app, other users are notified of an anonymous person's infection.
Japan on Friday reopened the remaining businesses that were shut due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, including nightclubs, though people are still asked to use physical distancing and other precautions.
The data in the app will only be recorded and stored in each user's phone, and will be deleted after 14 days.
Studies have shown that similar contact tracing apps can be effective when used by about 60% of the population.
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Japan has so far recorded about 17,500 cases and 935 deaths.