Italy is preparing to enter the Phase 2 containment measures to counter the infection covid19. In May we will begin to slowly return to normal life but the risk is still lurking which is why we thought about a technological solution to keep the spread of the disease under strict control. Let's talk aboutImmuni app which will allow to trace the coronavirus infections. The commissioner atsanitary emergency, Dominic Arcuri, has entered into an agreement with the company Bending spoons who will produce the software in collaboration with the Santagostino Diagnostic Center e Jakala. The app will initially be tested in some pilot regions and should be available to everyone by the end of May.
Immune app, fast and confidential
The system, known as contact tracking, is the one usually used by public health to prevent and contain the spread of infectious diseases. It allows to identify individuals potentially infected before symptoms even appear and take action before the infection is passed on to others.
The Immuni app would guarantee timely action and especially the privacy of users. The company Bending Spoons has granted the license for use free of charge, only out of a spirit of solidarity, and is available to complete the IT developments necessary to launch the app. Always free.
Immune app, here's how it works
But let's see practically what it consists of. Meanwhile, like any app, it can be downloaded without paying anything on your smartphone from the Apple app store for iPhones or Google for phones with an Android heart.
The app works as aclinical agenda where you note your health conditions, any symptoms of the disease or positive result for swabs. Then there is the part reserved for tracing: external contacts are traced - through the Bluetooth - and remain in memory on the mobile phone. If the user knows he may be infected, he can then decide whether to consent to the processing of his data. Here then is that the app kicks in. Thanks to Bluetooth, the mobile phone has, in fact, kept in memory the devices with which the patient's smartphone has come into contact. It will therefore be easy to trace the owners and warn them of the risk of contagion.
Privacy at risk?
The privacy risk for those who use the Immuni app. However, the software manufacturer has guaranteed confidentiality: it will be only the patient who will eventually have to authorize the collection and dissemination of data collected on your mobile phone.
The European Union has already made a commitment to "technologically" support States to ensure user privacy. Meanwhile i data must remain anonymous and will not be disclosed the identity of the infected. People who have come into contact with those who tested positive will be notified with a text message on their mobile phone (they must obviously have the app too) and will be invited to undergo the test or to go into isolation. In view of the next resumption of the international travel, it is important to establish an exchange of data with Europe.
The reassurances of Prime Minister Conte
No limits to freedom. “The application will be on voluntary basis and we will ensure that those who do not want to download it will not suffer limitations in their movements or other prejudices ", assured the Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
A team composed of the Ministry of Innovation, Health and experts in cyber security is supporting the Emergency Commissioner in order to implement it in the best possible way and with the highest guarantees. From his, Arcuri stressed: “The tracking system is fundamental for Phase 2. Without timely mapping of contacts, containment measures cannot be lightened ". The Immuni app will therefore serve us to be able to slowly exit the lockdown and I'll do it safely.
