France's virus-tracking app chalks up 600,000 downloads
France's new phone app for tracking coronavirus cases and alerting people at risk of contagion was downloaded some 600,000 times in less than 24 hours since its launch, the country's digital affairs minister said Wednesday.
"It's a good start," Cedric O told France 2 television, while app analytics firm AppAnnie said StopCovid was leading the list of French downloads for both Apple and Google Android phones.
Cedric O said he hoped "several millions of French" people would download the app, which is especially useful in crowded areas "such as bars and restaurants, public transport, and shops."
EXPLAINED: How France's coronavirus tracing app works
Tracking the spread of the virus will be crucial to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the coming weeks and months, as France has progressively been easing its strict, nationwide lockdown since May 11th.
On Tuesday, June 2nd, bars and restaurants reopened across the country, a measure that will increase the number of contact points between people.
France's Digital Affairs Minister Cedric O with the StopCovid app. Photo: AFP
Use of the StopCovid app is voluntary, and officials say no personal data can be revealed to fellow users.
France declined to work with Apple and Google for its app, citing data privacy concerns.
Governments around the world have developed apps, either on their own or enlisting help from private companies including Apple and Google, which have teamed up to provide tracing software that is compatible between their phones.
Many use bluetooth technology that allows phones to "see" if a person comes into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus - assuming the infected person had entered the diagnostic into the app.
Health experts say at least 60 percent of a population needs to use the technology for it to be effective as countries lift their lockdowns, since vast numbers of people are still at risk of infection.
Several countries have fallen short of that goal, however, including in Asian countries that were among the first to roll out tracking apps.
Forty-five percent of French people have said to be inclined to download StopCovid, according to a poll by France Info.
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"It's a good start," Cedric O told France 2 television, while app analytics firm AppAnnie said StopCovid was leading the list of French downloads for both Apple and Google Android phones.
Cedric O said he hoped "several millions of French" people would download the app, which is especially useful in crowded areas "such as bars and restaurants, public transport, and shops."
EXPLAINED: How France's coronavirus tracing app works
Tracking the spread of the virus will be crucial to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the coming weeks and months, as France has progressively been easing its strict, nationwide lockdown since May 11th.
On Tuesday, June 2nd, bars and restaurants reopened across the country, a measure that will increase the number of contact points between people.
France's Digital Affairs Minister Cedric O with the StopCovid app. Photo: AFP
Use of the StopCovid app is voluntary, and officials say no personal data can be revealed to fellow users.
France declined to work with Apple and Google for its app, citing data privacy concerns.
Governments around the world have developed apps, either on their own or enlisting help from private companies including Apple and Google, which have teamed up to provide tracing software that is compatible between their phones.
Many use bluetooth technology that allows phones to "see" if a person comes into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus - assuming the infected person had entered the diagnostic into the app.
Health experts say at least 60 percent of a population needs to use the technology for it to be effective as countries lift their lockdowns, since vast numbers of people are still at risk of infection.
Several countries have fallen short of that goal, however, including in Asian countries that were among the first to roll out tracking apps.
Forty-five percent of French people have said to be inclined to download StopCovid, according to a poll by France Info.
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