ICT Division launches online app to contain COVID-19

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DHAKA, June 4, 2020 (BSS) – Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division has launched a smart-phone based application (app) named ‘Corona Tracer BD’ on pilot basis for citizens across the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak officially launched the app on the online platform in a programme as the chief guest today, a press release said.

ICT Division Senior Secretary NM Ziaul Alam presided over the programme.

Policy Adviser of Access to information (a2i) programme of the ICT Division Anir Chowdhury, Director General of DGHS Dr Abul Kalam Azad, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Meerjady Sabrina Flora and a2i Project Director Md
Abdul Mannan were present, among others, on the occasion.

People can download the app from Google Play store(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shohoz.tracer), the release added.

According to the Google Play store website, ‘Corona Tracer BD’ is an initiative by the ICT Division and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) with the objective of bringing the people of Bangladesh together in the combined fight against COVID-19 and the
technology is powered by Shohoz Ltd.

The app utilizes ‘Bluetooth’ signal to understand if you are near another Tracer app user, the website said, adding that it will help you in identifying whether you are at risk of COVID-19 infection by checking if you have been in recent contact with an infected individual.

If your case seems risky, you will be able to seek medical help at the earliest and go into self-isolation, it said.