Short piece from Morning Report today on NZ's contract tracing mess. Link here.

alasta: I don’t understand why QR codes are necessary. Would it not be possible for the app to just display a list of nearby businesses based on your current location, then you select the correct one? It would be just like doing a check in on Facebook but the data would be stored on your phone for privacy.

The petrol station I went to had a GOVT QR code on the inside of the plexi glass "sneeze protector" so you could in theory scan it while paying.

However they had then put random stuff to sell right in front of the code so scanning it was impossible without moving all of those products. So I didn't scan anything (again)

I have to wonder if the deployed QRs are A3/A4 and good-scan ratio distorted once blown up

Local countdown has one on the outside - about A2. Doesn't scan and has lots of glass reflection from facing south and a carpark full of cars etc.

One by the actual internal doors is almost wall to wall A4 (or perhaps A3) and it scans even on the outter edge of the app guides (which are just, guides) from a good 2m away easily

I get as far as pushing the app button and lifting it up toward it and BEEP before I've checked it's aligned. Does mean you are standing there and then need to find a home for the device before pumping the dispenser under it however.

Guess device cameras will also have an impact. Those with the dedicated BW lens (I got a P20 non pro) may take advantage and be able to AI the heck out of it. While something with a lesser quality single sensor may struggle with focus like it's a front facing 2Mp - giving those with cheapo smartphones a false sense of 'useless app'

dafman:

 

Short piece from Morning Report today on NZ's contract tracing mess. Link here.

 

TQ for bringing that RNZ item to our attention

As many will know other jurisdictions have indicated mooted 80% uptake what would make a mobile tracing 'app' effective. It could be argued that would never be achieved with a mobile based app for a variety of reasons

A more effective method would be a smart card approach issued to everyone and no one can enter a business without showing it. I know this was evaluated but not sure why they didn't do that I think it was lead time and cost?

Maybe it was realised that a call center based approach was and is the only effective way to achieve tracing but by then the govt had already committed to an app and the media and public expected it and thus the mess we have since it was no longer a) a priority and b) effective 

Feature tonight on Newshub on the the dogs breakfast that is the process for businesses to download the govt QR code.

Who would have guessed?

NZDF state that BT tech is not reliable for its intended use as a Tracer app

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/418620/covid-tracing-app-bluetooth-tech-unreliable-nzdf

I wonder why NZDF is commenting on this, were they asked and if they're being proactive did they consider other jurisdictions e.g. Singapore and France have deployed

xlinknz:

 

NZDF state that BT tech is not reliable for its intended use as a Tracer app

 

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/418620/covid-tracing-app-bluetooth-tech-unreliable-nzdf

 

I wonder why NZDF is commenting on this, were they asked and if they're being proactive did they consider other jurisdictions e.g. Singapore and France have deployed

 

 

 

NZDF has, in the Government’s opinion, expertise in this area. They were probably asked to comment. The Singapore app has been shown to be totally ineffective due to false readings, and is useless. I’m not aware of the status of the French solution.

According to RNZ an update today will provide:

An update to the government's NZ Covid Tracer app will be released this evening to provide more functions for users, the ministry said.

These will allow:

• users to choose to be notified if they've visited a venue at the same time as someone who subsequently developed Covid-19
• users can choose to send their digital diary to contact tracers if required
• there will be a vibrate mode when scanning QR codes to assist those who are visually impaired.

Nice but totally pointless unless the make QR codes mandatory to display.

Not sure why the are bothering to spend money on this app that clearly won't be used by business.
I walked to 500m down my local shopping strip at lunch-time today to post a parcel - didn't notice one QR code on either side of the road.

Interestingly the live updates on The Spinoff state that 45,297 businesses have printed posters and the total number of scans is 816,612.

If my maths is right then each poster has been scanned fewer than 20 times, which suggests that hardly anyone is using them.

KrazyKid:

An update to the government's NZ Covid Tracer app will be released this evening to provide more functions for users, the ministry said.

I have not found anywhere yet to scan a code to see if it works.
My supermarket seems to have decided they don't need to , or its somewhere where it won't slow people down entering.
I guess they just pull credit card and EFTPOS details if something horrible happens.

If your'e Appy and you know it....
Well some of us remember when "There's an App for that" was a joke. 

Times have changed.
It is a real pity though that we don't have an effective integrated system, with supporting App.
General view seems to be its over for these measures, but I do see the time of its greatest importance is coming.
As we do need it for managing bubbles and opening to the world, tracing visitors who are an extra risk, to ensure they are not.

I would have liked to see the government doing a deal with ripple etc to integrate their technology right at the earliest moment.
As they were well ahead of Government efforts.
Avoid the whole disaster of misuse and cases of stalking, I see another one has come to light.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12338594

It would have given a real impetus for takeup.

Multilevel approach would also have been of value , no phone or old phone , we give you a system where you can print your covid only ID code to scan.
Far better that writing things down in the open, no scanner in a small business, you can write down the alphanumeric code at a pinch.

For the 1% of idiots who will create fake code, so what, with 90-99% compliance working enough to be very useful if not invaluable.

Missed opportunity, and now everyone thinks we don't need any tracing when for forthcoming visitor bubble we really do.

To most people who have a drivers licence, car registration, own a property so on property registers, and registered to vote so details on the electoral roll etc, no big deal. ?

I've found 50% of the places I've visited (very few as I have left home only twice in the last couple of weeks) have the MBIE QR code. Another 30% would have their own code that redirects to an online form. Yes, highly unreliable stats.

@neb the latest update to the app adds the option to be notified if you have been somewhere with a positive result requiring tracing, and give the option off uploading your data. I would say this is what we need the app for, so not quite your summary.

ezbee:

I have not found anywhere yet to scan a code to see if it works.