The digital tracking application to warn people who have come across positive cases of Covid-19 will be available from this Tuesday. Subject to criticism, this application is the subject of many questions to which we have tried to answer.
How to find and install it?
To use StopCovid, you must first download it to your smartphone. Owners of an Android model will go to the “Play Store” application download store, those with an iPhone on “AppStore”. It is free and installs in seconds via a wi-fi connection since it occupies only 16.5 MB on the internal memory of the phone.
What is she like ?
StopCovid first asks for consent before being activated and requires the default activation of Bluetooth at all times. It is this technology that was chosen so that the smartphone identifies that of other users anonymously and without geolocation by GPS. The application offers basic ergonomics with three tabs at the bottom within easy reach. "Protect" is used to activate or deactivate the application by pressing the central button. The user can also manage his personal data there and erase it both on the phone but also on the collection servers.
The "Declare Me" tab is the most important because it allows a user who has tested positive for Covid-19 to report to the system and warn people approached previously. Finally, the "Share" tab aims to widen the circle of users by sending a download link to their directory, via the various messaging services or by e-mail. After having tested it for a few days, StopCovid does not seem to suffer from operating bugs, even when used in the background, nor does it seem to unduly affect the battery of the device despite the continuous emission of Bluetooth, however deemed energy-hungry.
Should we download it if we live in a green zone?
The use of StopCovid is entirely on the principle of volunteering. No obligation therefore, even if according to many experts, the ideal is that 60% of the population is equipped so that it adequately fulfills its role of alert in the event of contact. The tool will initially prove to be more useful for the inhabitants of large agglomerations, whether it is in a green or orange zone like Paris and the cities of the Paris region. The tool is in fact designed to alert in the event of contact with other people whom one does not know and crossed in very frequented public places or in public transport.
Is it useful if we respect the barrier gestures well?
Theoretically, the respect of the barrier gestures associated with the wearing of the mask makes it possible to avoid contamination. The StopCovid application comes as a complementary tool. "In theory, and from a scientific point of view, it is an ideal application," says Mircea Sofonea, lecturer in epidemiology and evolution of infectious diseases at the University of Montpellier. With deconfinement, we put in the presence of people who do not know each other during a time when the virus is circulating despite everything. Above all, they are found in closed and poorly ventilated places, such as transport, waiting rooms. In these situations, it is necessary to be able to react quickly because we know that the presymptomatic transmission, the previous day, or the day of the arrival of the first symptoms, is very strong. "
Will it replace the work of the health insurance health brigades?
No, because their role is different. The application will work in addition. The brigades are already investigating to trace cases of family or proximity contact "but they cannot find all contact cases, particularly in a large urban area," continues Mircea Sofonea. Above all, the investigation only lasts two to three days. However, it is this window that allows the continuity of the transmission chain. StopCovid will always do better than the brigades, but its logistics are much more complicated to implement. This is based on a presupposition: that many people download and activate the application at the same time. "