Kia ora

Last week we released an update to the NZ COVID Tracer app so you can add manual entries to your digital diary, either at the time or afterward, regardless of whether a QR code is on display.

This means you can use the app to maintain a complete – and private – record of all the places you’ve been and the people you’ve seen.

If you’re not already keeping track of your movements with the app, I encourage you to start getting in the habit to help ensure we’re prepared for any re-emergence of COVID-19 in the community.

Fast and effective contact tracing will be key to breaking the chain of transmission and minimising the risk or extent of any further lockdowns. NZ COVID Tracer supports this by giving contact tracers a head-start and
by allowing us to send contact alerts to people who may have been exposed to the virus.

You can find a range of information about NZ COVID Tracer on our website
[1], including instructions on how to update the app
[2] if you don’t have automatic updates enabled on your phone.

We will continue to update the app over time as new features are developed and in response to your feedback. I can confirm this includes considering how technologies like Bluetooth can be integrated within the app to further support contact tracing.

Thank you for joining over 626,000 other Kiwis in downloading and using NZ COVID Tracer to help keep COVID-19 out of the community. Please do encourage your family, friends and colleagues to download, register and use the app.

If you have any queries or feedback on the app, please do not hesitate to contact the team on 0800 800 606 or at help@covidtracer.min.health.nz.

Ngā mihi nui
Dr Ashley Bloomfield
Director-General of Health

Links:
——
[1] http://www.health.govt.nz/NZ-COVID-Tracer
[2] http://www.health.govt.nz/nz-covid-tracer-qaas