Bluetooth upgrade for NZ COVID Tracer app
The NZ COVID Tracer app has been updated to include Bluetooth tracing technology.
Bluetooth is an additional tool that helps to speed up contact tracing. It allows app users to receive an alert if they have been near another app user who tests positive for COVID-19.
We still need to continue to scan QR codes wherever we go, and businesses, services and public transport providers must keep displaying their QR code posters at all alert levels.
QR codes allow us to create a private record of places we’ve been, while Bluetooth creates an anonymised record of people we’ve been near.
Combined, the two systems complement the work done by our public health units and the National Investigation and Tracing Centre to rapidly identify and isolate close contacts.
Bluetooth tracing on your phone works by exchanging randomised ‘keys’ with other phones that are also using Bluetooth tracing. The keys do not include any information about who you are or where you were. You will need to enable it on the app for it to work.
Privacy has been a top priority throughout the development of the NZ COVID Tracer app, and this remains true with Bluetooth tracing. All the contact tracing information you collect with the app is held securely on your phone, and it’s your choice what information you choose to share.
The app is endorsed by the Privacy Commissioner, and the Ministry of Health is releasing the source code so New Zealanders can see how their information is managed.
More information can be found on the Ministry of Health and the Unite Against COVID-19 websites.
Watch our Bluetooth tracing video
NZ COVID Tracer update
NZ COVID Tracer now has 2,396,500 registered users.
Poster scans have reached 135,441,911 and users have created 5,449,443 manual diary entries.
Criteria widened for emergency applications for managed isolation
The range of circumstances for people who need to apply for an emergency allocation in managed isolation to travel to New Zealand urgently has been widened.
Emergency allocation applications will now be prioritised depending on two categories that reflect the most urgent and time-critical situations which may require travel to New Zealand.
To be eligible for an emergency allocation, the applicant must be legally entitled to enter New Zealand, willing to travel within seven days of applying, have evidence to support their application, and be prepared to complete their 14 days managed isolation.
Visit the emergency allocation request page on the MIQ website to learn more.
Stay home if you are sick
Staying at home if you’re sick is still the best thing you can do to stop any future spread of COVID-19.
If you’re feeling unwell, it’s critical you stay at home and recover.
If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about getting tested.
By getting a test, you’re helping keep your community safe. Testing is always free for everyone.