COVID-19 tracing

[adinutzyc21]

Hi everyone, super new here.

Some apps ( like Citizen https://citizen.com/safetrace or NOVID https://www.novid.org/ ) have started using bluetooth on the phone to anonymously exchange encounter information and trace how many encounters with people who tested positive you had.

The issue is, I don't take my phone with me outside since the pandemic, plus I generally keep bluetooth off to conserve battery anyway.

Seems like my Fitbit was made for this (always on me, plus its Bluetooth is always on I assume), but I am surprised nobody has done or proposed this before, so perhaps there are limitations I am not aware of. 

I have zero experience with Fitbit app development but wanted to see what people think before I start digging too deep in case it's actually not possible. Also, I have an Alta HR but I guess if one of the more expensive ones can do it, it would be a fun project anyway.

[Gondwana · Accepted solution]

It's a good idea, but unfortunately not possible at the moment for 1.5 reasons:

• The Fitbit OS API doesn't expose Bluetooth to third-party developers, so we can't use it directly. (We use it indirectly when doing file transfers, etc.)
• Alta HR doesn't run an operating system (such as Fitbit OS) that allows for third-party app development.

You could consider posting your idea here. It might encourage Fitbit to write such an app themselves, or to provide a Bluetooth API so that others could do so. I'd vote for it!

[anonymous1989]

Yeah, nice info, I think in this autumn we should expect second major infection wave . In such case the situation in our world will look very bad, for sure governments will create new apps to control people as in China. It is strange how easy such simple virus has changed our world and our lifestyle. Guys, you can find out more about Pandemic Pal , nice platform with a lot of useful information about where to find medical supplies and all changes in society created by Corona Virus.