Few provinces still resisting COVID Alert app as new features under consideration
Quebec has joined the COVID Alert app, leaving B.C. and Alberta as the only remaining provinces with no immediate plans to activate the digital tool. Both Nova Scotia and P.E.I. have committed to joining in the coming days.
The federal government-administered smartphone app allows users to report a positive coronavirus test and alert others of a potential exposure.
Health Canada says more features could be on the way, but the federal agency says its priority remains to have all provinces and territories join the app “as is.”
“The app will only really help us if many people choose to activate it,” Quebec Premier François Legault told reporters in Montreal on Monday evening shortly after downloading it himself.
<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="WATCH | Quebec’s premier says COVID Alert is safe to use: ” data-reactid=”36″>WATCH | Quebec’s premier says COVID Alert is safe to use:
Quebec had initially balked at the app. But as the province confronts a steep increase in coronavirus infections — reporting more than 1,000 new cases daily since last Friday — Legault’s government had a change of heart.
“If you want to make a difference and return to a more normal life, please reduce your contacts and activate the COVID app,” he said.
According to data provided by Health Canada, COVID Alert has been downloaded more than 3.4 million times since it was launched July 31. At least 856 users across the country have reported a positive test through the tool.
Most of the reporting has so far come from Ontario, which was the first province to activate the app. Federal officials have said the more users install it, the more effective it will be.
The app is designed to bolster contact tracing — the practice of reaching individuals who’ve potentially been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 — at a time when case counts in several provinces are rising.
<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Toronto Public Health even called off most of its contact tracing efforts, apparently unable to handle the demand due to a steady increase in the city’s infection rate.” data-reactid=”42″>Toronto Public Health even called off most of its contact tracing efforts, apparently unable to handle the demand due to a steady increase in the city’s infection rate.
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Based on the exposure notification framework developed jointly by tech giants Apple and Google, the app allows mobile devices to communicate with each other using Bluetooth technology, with smartphones carrying out a digital handshake when they’re less than two metres apart for at least 15 minutes.
The information isn’t shared with the government. Nor are the users’ identities, locations or health data.
When someone tests positive, public health provides them with a one-time code to enter into the app, which then relays an exposure notification to others with whom they’ve been in close contact for an extended period.
<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="More features needed?” data-reactid=”66″>More features needed?
More than two months after COVID Alert’s launch, however, there are calls for the federal government to authorize more features and increase the app’s potential effectiveness.
<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Dr. Andrew Morris, an infectious disease physician and professor at the University of Toronto's faculty of medicine, urged the app’s developers to consider adding anonymized functions that would allow users — or even public health officials — to be told how frequently people are spending extended periods in close contact with others. The prolonged exposure is considered a driver of coronavirus transmission.” data-reactid=”68″>Dr. Andrew Morris, an infectious disease physician and professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of medicine, urged the app’s developers to consider adding anonymized functions that would allow users — or even public health officials — to be told how frequently people are spending extended periods in close contact with others. The prolonged exposure is considered a driver of coronavirus transmission.
Fitness apps and automatic screen time logging provide examples of the way a COVID app could share data with users about their behaviour and help shape their actions, Morris said. For example, the app could inform users of the total number of people they’ve been in close contact with for extended periods.
“People do modify their behaviour based on that information,” he said.
B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, recently said the province is working with federal officials “to make some adjustments that will meet our needs” before adopting the app.
Health Canada hinted last week at two potential additions to come, while stressing its priority remains for all provinces and territories to join and allow residents to report a positive test through COVID Alert.
“It would be premature to provide a list of what’s being considered, but there’s definitely lots of discussions currently on wearable devices or QR codes or push notifications,” Marika Nadeau, the director of Health Canada’s COVID Alert task force, said on a call with reporters.
In Singapore — one of the first countries to widely adopt a contact tracing app — officials distributed Bluetooth-enabled wearable “tokens” to users without smartphones.
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Edgar Su/Reuters
Canada’s app is only available on Apple and Android devices made in the past five years. Health Canada estimates that accounts for 92 per cent of smartphone users across the country. But it still leaves the technology out of reach for marginalized groups who are more vulnerable to the virus.
In England and Wales, the U.K.’s National Health Service provides businesses with scannable QR codes that can be read using a COVID app. Users who’ve frequented the premises can later be notified in the event of an outbreak.
Adding features to Canada’s app, however, would likely come with a tradeoff: the obligation for users to provide it with more information. Already, some Canadians have been skittish about installing a government-administered app, harbouring the unfounded fear that it will allow them to be tracked.
“You have to be careful,” said Brian Jackson, who’s been analyzing similar apps for the Toronto-based Info-Tech Research Group, an information technology research and advisory firm.
“The more features you add, the more there is to understand and the more ins and outs there are to the technology layers involved … and to what data is sent back and forth.”
Jackson said the move will work as long as the federal government is able to roll out new features while maintaining a “privacy first” approach.
Alberta still uses its own provincial app, ABTraceTogether, which was launched in the spring and is based on older technology. The province said this week ABTraceTogether still has 244,895 users.
“Alberta needs to transition from their current provincial application to COVID Alert,” Nadeau said Tuesday, “so we are continuing our conversation, as well as (with) B.C.” She declined to provide a timeline for when the two provinces might join.
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Sven Hoppe/The Associated Press
<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="App is working, evidence suggests” data-reactid=”127″>App is working, evidence suggests
COVID Alert’s built-in privacy features make it impossible to know how many users have received an exposure notification through the app, but anecdotes continue to illustrate its potential.
<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="On Sunday, a curling tournament in Waterloo, Ont., was halted after a participant received news through the app that they had been near a person with COVID-19.” data-reactid=”129″>On Sunday, a curling tournament in Waterloo, Ont., was halted after a participant received news through the app that they had been near a person with COVID-19.
<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Rocco Rossi, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and a former federal Liberal Party official, tweeted last week he’d received an exposure notification and then tested negative. He later said in an interview he suspects the potential exposure may have occurred during a recent trip on Toronto’s subway.” data-reactid=”130″>Rocco Rossi, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and a former federal Liberal Party official, tweeted last week he’d received an exposure notification and then tested negative. He later said in an interview he suspects the potential exposure may have occurred during a recent trip on Toronto’s subway.
“I didn’t have to have physical contact tracers using up resources to try to find me,” he said, referring to the speed at which the app alerted him.
There is also evidence that other users have been testing positive after first being notified through the app, though it’s impossible to tell how many infections have been prevented by its use.
Ottawa Public Health said last month it had recorded its first COVID-19 diagnosis prompted by an exposure notification.
Lucie Vignola, a member of Health Canada’s COVID Task Force, told CBC Radio on Monday they’ve been told of users who’ve received an alert, tested positive for the virus, “then modified their behaviour to make sure that they weren’t transmitting it within the community, including a teacher.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
