Understanding Bluezone: Its Functionality and FAQs on the COVID-19 Exposure Alert Application

Bluezone là ứng dụng được Bộ Y tế cùng Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông khuyến nghị cài đặt nhằm ngăn chặn sự lây lan của dịch COVID-19. Cùng tìm hiểu ứng dụng Bluezone là gì? Cách hoạt động của Bluezone và những câu hỏi thường gặp về ứng dụng Bluezone trong bài viết sau đây!

1. What is Bluezone?

Bluezone is a smartphone application available on iOS and Android, capable of quickly tracing individuals at risk of COVID-19 infection. It also alerts users if they come into close contact with a coronavirus-infected person.

Bluezone utilizes low-energy Bluetooth positioning technology, similar to the technology jointly developed by Apple and Google in April. Smartphones with this app installed will exchange signals within a 2-meter range and keep a contact log.

Learn more: How to use Bluezone: An application for detecting contact with COVID-19-infected individuals

2. Bluezone Operation Mechanism

In case of an infection, the contact history within the app indicates whether you have been in contact with this person or not if both have used Bluezone. Therefore, the more people install Bluezone, the higher the protection effectiveness.

3. Frequently Asked Questions about the Bluezone Application

Why does Bluezone request access to photos, media, and files?

Bluezone only uses the 'file access' permission to record 'close contacts' history on the device memory. Despite this, according to Google's policy, the device still automatically prompts 'allow access to photos, media, and files' even when Bluezone does not use other permissions. You need to grant permission to record 'close contacts.'

Does Bluezone track user locations?

Bluezone does not record or use user locations. When you install Bluezone on Android and activate Bluetooth, the device requests location permission, this is due to Google's policy when Bluetooth BLE is enabled the device automatically requests location permission. However, Bluezone does not utilize that permission.

Does Bluezone store user information?

Bluezone only stores data on the user's device, absolutely without uploading to a server, without collecting location data. Bluezone only records when and for how long two people have met, without knowing where. Bluezone users remain anonymous by using system-generated IDs.

Is it necessary to keep Bluetooth on continuously when using Bluezone?

For Bluezone to function effectively, the phone must keep Bluetooth on at all times. However, Bluezone utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which saves battery power, so users can use it with complete peace of mind.

Are there any risks in keeping Bluetooth on in a community?

This is similar to using WiFi in a community, as Bluetooth and WiFi operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. So users can safely use it as normal.

If Bluetooth is turned on, is the phone vulnerable to hacking?

Bluetooth is a widely used standard for device connectivity and has been proven for its security.

Does this Bluezone drain the battery?

Bluezone utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to save battery power, so citizens can use it with complete peace of mind.

Should those infected with the disease install this Bluezone?

If those infected with the disease may choose not to install Bluezone, there will be many cases of delayed close contact warnings. Therefore, everyone should install it and encourage those around them to do the same to protect themselves and the community in a timely manner.

Is Bluezone effective when not everyone turns on Bluetooth?

Turning on Bluetooth is an individual's choice. To protect themselves and the community, citizens should use Bluezone regularly. If users turn off Bluetooth, suppose they come into contact with someone infected with COVID-19, this contact will not be recorded.

Does Bluezone run in the background or do you have to turn it on every time?

Bluezone will continue to operate even when the screen is off. Please note that you need to keep Bluetooth on to ensure close contact recording is complete.

Why do different devices show different data even when in the same location?

This is because devices do not continuously scan but have alternating rest cycles to save energy. Different devices have different active and rest periods. During the rest period, the device will not detect other devices until it resumes activity.

Although the displayed data may differ between devices, close contacts are still fully recorded. Close contact is defined as two individuals meeting for a sufficient duration for the virus to transmit.

Install and use Bluezone to protect yourself and the community

Given the complex developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bluezone is an application that should be on everyone's phone.

This application not only helps us avoid unsafe places but also enables the Government to control the pandemic situation and implement specific measures in disease prevention efforts.

Besides, the application only plays a part, individual awareness remains paramount. Therefore, let's strive to adhere to all measures to prevent the pandemic so that our country can return to peace as before.

Above are all the information you need to know about Bluezone. Install the Bluezone app to protect yourself and the community!

Let's join hands to push back COVID-19, Vietnam is determined to defeat the pandemic.

See more: 

Residents are fined for not installing Bluezone and turning on Bluetooth when going out. Evaluating Bluezone: An application that must be installed to control the Covid-19 pandemic. Bluezone introduces many new features: It can be used for online health declaration.