COVID-19 tracing app Bluezone hits 30 million users

PSNews - About 30 million smartphone users had downloaded Bluezone, a locally-developed contact-tracing app to identify and alert people who have interacted with COVID-19 patients, as of 11:30 am on March 2.
Photo: VNE
Photo: VNE

The figure is 11,000 higher than that on March 1, and over 5.2 million higher than that on January 28 when the third outbreak wave started in the country, according to an annoucement the Ministry of Information and Communications.

The Central city of Danang takes the lead nationwide in the rate of smartphone users downloading the app , with 42.3 percent of the locality’s population. It is followed by the northern province of Hai Duong, the capital city of Hanoi and the northern province of Quang Ninh.

At present, over 30 million Bluezone users can make online health declarations on this app. In addition, people can also inform authorized offices of cases suspected to be infected with COVID-19 via the app.

Developed by tech firm Bkav, the app uses Bluetooth Low Energy, a wireless personal area network technology, to link with smartphones within a two-meter distance. 

If a user is positive for SARS-CoV-2 (known as person F0), health authorities can identify those who had close contact with F1, and the system will alert them about the risk of infection. They will be also provided with instructions on contacting health authorities for assistance.

The app is completely confidential, anonymous, and transparent, as it only stores data on users’ phones and does not transfer information or locations to the system. It was launched on April 18, 2020.

By Thien Minh

Other News

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

Dr. Ho Duc Thang, a full-time member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Cultural and Educational, said productivity is the key to sustaining double-digit economic growth, and AI has greater potential to improve productivity than any previous technology.

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Vietnam's growth model, long fueled by low-cost labour, resource extraction, contract manufacturing, expanded investment, and capital accumulation, has run out of road. The country now needs a sweeping reform agenda to shift from extensive growth to a model driven by productivity, knowledge, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

First national semiconductor chip prototyping support centre makes debut

First national semiconductor chip prototyping support centre makes debut

Vietnam's semiconductor ecosystem now comprises around 60 chip design companies, some 7,000 chip design engineers and 166 universities offering semiconductor-related training programmes. Initial registrations from 12 organisations indicate demand for the prototyping of approximately 30,000 chips.

Vietnam targets at least 10 large strategic technology firms by 2030

Vietnam targets at least 10 large strategic technology firms by 2030

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signed a decision approving a plan to develop large domestic strategic technology enterprises in the 2026–2030 period, aimed at advancing digital infrastructure, digital human resources, digital data, strategic technologies and cybersecurity.

Protecting users crucial in building digital trust: Experts

Protecting users crucial in building digital trust: Experts

In Vietnam, digital transformation in the finance and banking sector is accelerating cashless payments, expanding access to financial services, improving market transparency and supporting economic growth and macroeconomic management.

Fostering skilled workforce for innovation era: experts

Fostering skilled workforce for innovation era: experts

Experts said close coordination among State management agencies, research institutes, universities, and businesses will improve training quality and serve the dual goals of quality education and practical research application.

Startup forum bridges Silicon Valley and local innovation ecosystem

Startup forum bridges Silicon Valley and local innovation ecosystem

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Saigon Asset Management (SAM), and Plug and Play Tech Centre co-hosted the “From Vietnam to Silicon Valley” forum, exploring AI innovation, venture capital, and pathways to integrate Vietnam’s startup ecosystem with Silicon Valley and global markets.