In the midst of the pandemic, a new app called CombatCOVID is making waves in South Florida by offering users the chance to see if they've been exposed to COVID-19. The app, developed by Shield Group Technologies, uses Bluetooth signals to detect other phones that passed within 6 to 13 feet within the past 14 to 21 days. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they must enter their information into the app, which then sends an alert warning others who may have been exposed.
The question remains: will anyone use it? Despite over a million dollars in government support, the app still faces questions about how widely it will be accepted and whether it can truly make a difference in the battle against COVID-19. Government officials in South Florida are not deterred, saying they're open to any tool that might help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Palm Beach County is paying $875,600 from its federal coronavirus aid to use the app, which will be maintained until 2024. Miami-Dade plans to pay $775,000, and Broward County Mayor Dale Holness has expressed interest in using the app as well. The app is free for users to download.
The development of CombatCOVID has been mindful of security concerns, ensuring that user personal information is not stored in any list or database. Instead, it uses Bluetooth signals to communicate with other devices rather than GPS tracking, which could lead to privacy concerns.
While it's difficult to predict how many people will use the app, Palm Beach County plans to advertise it to residents and send them four masks in the mail along with a pamphlet on how to download CombatCOVID. Any technology that keeps the pandemic in the forefront of peoples' minds is valuable, said Mayor Dave Kerner.
The success of CombatCOVID relies heavily on mobile marketing efforts. The more users the app has, the better it can make a difference in curbing the spread of COVID-19. As Verdenia Baker, Palm Beach County's administrator, said, "This app will allow us to at least communicate to each other, know quicker when we have been in contact or near someone with it when it's up and running. I think that is worth its weight in gold alone."
In a bid to boost adoption rates, the app's developers are working with government officials to create a comprehensive marketing strategy. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez believes the app has the potential to make a significant impact, saying, "I think it's a great tool for people to know they've been somehow exposed."
As CombatCOVID gains traction across Florida and beyond, one thing is clear: mobile marketing plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about COVID-19. By leveraging mobile technology, we can work together to combat the virus and get back to normal.