People weakest link for apps tracking coronavirus exposure

DENVER — Builders of smartphone apps that detect exposure to the coronavirus have ensured that only people with verified COVID-19 cases could trigger an alert.

They also planned for privacy, making the app features as bare-bones as possible. But as more states roll out smartphone contact-tracing technology, other challenges are emerging. Namely, human nature. 

Kaiser Health News reports the system works only if a lot of people buy into it. But people will buy into it only if they know it works. 

Only about a dozen U.S. states, including Colorado, have launched the smartphone feature, which sends users a notification if they’ve crossed paths with another app user who later tests positive for COVID-19. 

> The above video is from Nov. 11. Go to the :47 mark to get instructions on how to set up the exposure notifications app.

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