COVID-19 contact tracing enhanced

TDT | Manama

The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) yesterday began the distribution of electronic bracelets compatible with Bahrain’s COVID-19 contact tracing app “BeAware”.

The move is in line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to deploy emerging technologies to help mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The distribution began with the support of the Minister of Interior General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. The “BeAware” app complements the efforts of the National Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 by advancing contact tracing efforts to swiftly identify and keep track all active cases and their contacts.

iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed noted that the app is an example of how Bahrain is leveraging technology to safeguard the well-being of citizens and residents.

He explained that the bracelet supports the Ministry of Health’s mandate to address public health concerns amidst the global pandemic. “The decision issued by the Minister of Health, Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, obliges self-isolating individuals to wear the electronic bracelet that will notify the monitoring station whenever they are 15 meters away from their phone, in which case a warning will be sent,” explained Al Qaed.

“Violators will face legal penalties, potentially be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and pay a fine between BD1,000 and BD10,000, or either one of the two penalties.” Al Qaed added that the iGA will guide users through the app and all of its features, which requires them to ensure their smart devices are charged and that their location services, Bluetooth, GPS and internet connection are on.

iPhone users will need to ensure that the “Allow Location Access” is set at “Always”. Self-isolating individuals using the app must identify their isolation location, in most cases their home, by selecting “Set Home Location” upon arrival.

Users can correct location information by calling 444. Ministry of Health officials may randomly send picture requests to which self-isolating individuals must respond with a photo that clearly shows their face and bracelet.

Attempting to remove or tamper with the bracelet is a violation and officials confirmed the bracelet is waterproof. Self-isolating individuals are also required to schedule a COVID-19 test date three days prior to the end of their self-isolation period by calling 444 or visiting the Ministry of Health’s website.