Alliance between Bern and Berlin on coronavirus applications

The interoperability of SwissCovid (Switzerland) and Corona-Warn-App (Germany), implemented by the Robert Koch Institute, will allow for the tracking of 60,000 border residents

Last June, Switzerland was one of the first countries in the world to introduce a proximity tracking application: SwissCovid.
Since its launch, it has undergone numerous optimizations that have increased its efficiency and benefits.
The SwissCovid application is used by about 2 million people, helping to break the chains of infection, and thus making a fundamental contribution to the fight against the pandemic.
The latest extension of the application is the interoperability with the German Corona-Warn-App, which is active immediately.

Germany and Switzerland allied against the pandemic

The interoperability of the SwissCovid App with the German Corona-Warn-App was made possible by the recent agreement with the German Robert Koch Institute to simplify the use of both apps for their respective users and, from now on, to enable the exchange of information about a possible infection via the app also across borders.
This also improves international contact tracing. This interoperability benefits in particular the approximately 60,000 German border crossers who come to Switzerland every day, but it is also useful for all people who travel to the neighboring country for other reasons, such as vacations or visiting family members.

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Until now, cross-border commuters had to install both apps on their cell phones in order to use the proximity tracking systems of the two countries and, depending on their location, activate one or the other – an almost impractical solution.
Now this double installation is no longer necessary. In addition, Swiss users are also informed if a person with whom they have been in contact and who uses the German app subsequently tests positive. This exchange of information also works in reverse.

Swiss application also on older iPhones

Following Apple’s upgrade to the 12.5 operating system, users of older devices have been able to use the SwissCovid app for several months.
The 12.5 operating system is the one used by cell phones from the iPhone 5s onwards, which were launched seven years ago.
The important thing is that users install the app and activate it according to the instructions so that it can fulfill its purpose.
If they change their cell phone, it is also necessary that they open the App once to make sure it is active.

Further optimizations and innovations for physicians and the hearing impaired

The following optimizations and new features have also been introduced in recent months:
Testing physicians and pharmacies and also treating physicians in hospitals can issue Covid codes, either manually or via an interface to the code management system.

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For about a month now, Infoline SwissCovid employees have also been able to generate Covid codes and pass them on to callers who test positive.
To obtain further information quickly and without waiting time after receiving a report of a possible infection, users can fill out a guide that provides recommendations for behavior.

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For deaf and hard of hearing persons who tested positive and did not receive a Covid code, an e-mail address has been created that allows barrier-free access to the SwissCovid Infoline, which is also mentioned in the guide as an alternative to a phone call.