Expert Backs Govt Tracking App For Contact Tracing

Infectious disease expert and University of Hong Kong microbiologist Ho Pak-leung has called on the public to install a mobile phone app to be introduced by the government that's aimed at boosting Covid-19 contact tracing by tracking people's daily activities.

The app will allow members of the public to scan QR codes and record the venues that they have visited, and they'll be alerted if coronavirus cases appear at these places.

QR codes will be available at more than 260 locations, such as government markets, sports centres and swimming pools. Users can scan the codes using the app called "Leave Home Safe" to record the visits.

Authorities will ask app users confirmed with Covid-19 to provide the records for contact tracing.

The government has played down privacy concerns, saying the information will only be stored in the app but not uploaded onto any database.

On Monday, Ho told RTHK's Millennium programme that the government could be more proactive in its contact tracing effort and use the app to track down those who may have been exposed to the virus.

The expert expressed concern about coronavirus infections re-emerging as people become less vigilant amid a further easing of social distancing measures.

Ho said several preliminary positive cases reported on Sunday were linked to social gatherings during a long weekend last month, while many people also gathered on Halloween.

“It’s alarming. There are always big crowds at entertainment and catering venues. Many people don’t comply with anti-epidemic rules,” he said.

“Hong Kong has been seeing similar cycles. When the rules are tightened, the number of infections drops. When the rules are relaxed and people don’t follow them, we see a rebound in cases again.”