Apple has confirmed and released iOS 13.7 to the public today, with a massive update of the COVID-19 Notification Platform for Exposures. Apple and Google have launched a new Exposure Notifications Express system that enables health care providers to support COVID-19 communication tracing without their own App being created and maintained.
Update: iOS 13.7 is out now. So, you can upgrade your iPhone through the Settings App. Apple has also published bug fixes to iPadOS 13.7.
When Google and Apple announced their joint work on the COVID-19 Explorer Notification API at the start of the epidemic, the companies detailed two phases of the technology. In the first step, which came with iOS 13.5, the user must first download the disclosure notification to download an app from their public health authority.
At the time, Apple and Google also signaled that they would work on Phase Two, which would reduce reliance on public health officials and make most of the Covid-19 Expo information technology directly applicable to iOS and Android. Google and Apple are announcing the same today, but with some changes compared to what was initially expected.
Apple iOS 13.7 + Exposure Notifications Express System
The new Exposure Notification Express system included iOS 13.7, which Apple is providing to all iPhone owners today. Public health officials still have a choice to decide.
For public health officials, the process of adopting the Exp, Notification Express is significantly smoother than adopting the Expo Notification API. Public health officials fill out a config file that includes their name, logo, display notification animation criteria, and information and protocols that appear to users after the exhibition.
Google and Apple are taking full responsibility for the Quaid 19 Exposure Notification Express system. The companies say they will offer a fully operational exposure notification system to use the information provided by public health authorities, which is directly integrated by public health into iOS 13.7.
Public health officials still have full control over the system, although their application does not need to be prepared. It also includes how information is mobilized, what steps are taken to provide advice, and guidance for those exposed.
Changes in Apple iOS 13.7
For apps, COVID-19 exposure notifications can now be activated directly in the Settings app on your iPhone. The procedure is as simple as just a few taps, including agreeing to Public Health Agency terms and conditions. Once the Exposure Notification Express system is introduced by the local public health authority, customers will also be able to opt-in for receiving push notifications.
If you allow exposure notifications in the Settings app, your iPhone will start tracking Bluetooth to log future exposures so you can observe your local public health authority’s recommendations. For information and confirmation of potential exposure to COVID-19.
Users can now enable COVID-19 exposure notifications directly in the Settings app on their iPhone. The process is as simple as just a few taps, including agreeing to the terms of the Public Health Agency.
When Exposure is approved by the local public health authorities, consumers will also be able to opt in to receive push notifications. Once you enable exposure notifications in the Settings app, your iPhone will start monitoring Bluetooth to log potential exposures so that you can follow the guidelines set by your local public health authority. To be notified of possible COVID-19 Exposure.
In states that already have a standalone application using the COVID-19 Exposure Notification API, those apps are still available and can run on their own. So far, Apple and Google say 25 states and territories, representing more than 55% of the population, are looking for solutions to the exposure notification system.
Google and Apple said in a joint statement that “We make it simpler and more convenient for them to use the Explore notification system without the need to create or maintain an app,” the two companies said in a joint statement. The companies said they would continue to support public health officials who have built their apps, like those in Canada, but we are making the new system to help officials unable to create them. “Exposure Notification Express provides another option for public health authorities to track their current interactions with technology without conceding the basic values of the user’s privacy and security plan.”
Finally, Google and Apple underline that all the Exposure Notification API’s original privacy protections still apply to the Exposure Notifications Express. Users must expressly allow alerts of exposure, nor it authorized by default. No location data is exchanged, and the device does not exchange your identity with other users. All matching is performed on the device and consumers have full control about whether they want a test result to be reported
The move signals a change in Apple and Google, which began working on a joint coronavirus effort in the spring when the spread of the coronavirus around it became more apparent. As of early September, more than 25 million people had been infected worldwide, and more than 851,000 had died, according to data gathered by Johns Hopkins University. And while the spread continues, Apple and Google have struggled to make the plan widely accepted.
Apple and Google, in an initial reversal of their Coronavirus system, relied on health departments to create such apps. They are involved in companies’ communications and security systems. Both companies say they will help the authorities develop apps but primarily to make the system work on them. Trust them. As a result, only 20 countries and territories have been released so far, including only 6 of the 50 states in the United States. Besides, only half of the US states and territories are searching for Apple and Google systems.
With the new system, also called EN Express, Apple and Google expect the dramatically simplified procedure to be rolled out to the Department of Health, which has decided to work with the companies. Because of the resources they need for construction and maintaining an app.
In order to receive exposure notifications, people using the iPhone will be notified that the feature is available and will be able to turn it on in their settings.
For Android phones, Google will automatically create an app for users to download, so public health authorities will not need to create or maintain these apps themselves. Although this requires additional action by Android users, a Google spokesperson said the company believes this is the best way to get tools on as many different types of Android hardware as possible.
New Approach – Exposure Notifications Express System
Google and Apple’s new approach allows health officials to submit a “configuration file” that shows how information about potential exposure can be triggered. We will advise you on what action to take and any other contact information that may be included—their area. Apple and Google say it is much easier than creating an app while still ensuring people’s privacy and security.
Scott J. Baker, head of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, said in a statement provided by the companies: “Public health organizations are carrying an extraordinary burden in handling the response to the novel coronavirus.” The easier it is for health agencies to develop and deploy, the sooner we can increase COVID-19 exposure in our communities and help eradicate the epidemic.”
