It’s been one month since the country’s coronavirus exposure notification app launched and since then, COVID Alert has been downloaded roughly 2.2 million times.
Over the last four weeks, roughly 80 to 100 people have been testing positive each day in Ontario for COVID-19. But just 90 have logged their diagnosis with the app since it launched, and it’s not possible to tell how many people have been notified of exposure because the app does not collect that information.
“Due to the strong privacy and security measures built into the app, this data is not available,” said Natalie Mohamed, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada.
One infectious disease expert cautions the numbers show a disconnect between the number of people being diagnosed and the number using the app to share that information to protect those around them.
“That’s a large amount that’s lost,” Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease specialist at McMaster University, said when asked about the daily case numbers in Ontario versus those logged in the app.
“Uptake needs to be there, for sure. We know from global experience that the failure of these apps is really uptake more than anything else.
“There’s definitely some more work to be done getting into more people’s phones.”
1:23 Coronavirus: Canada’s top doctor calls herd immunity an ‘extremely difficult strategy’
Coronavirus: Canada’s top doctor calls herd immunity an ‘extremely difficult strategy’
The app works not in the sense of traditional contact tracing but by notifying people based on proximity to an individual who has informed the app of a positive coronavirus test result.
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Those who test positive get a one-time code to log with the app, which uses Bluetooth rather than location data to ping any devices close enough that they are deemed to be at risk of exposure.
That radius is within two to three metres.
But because the app is voluntary, there’s no requirement for anyone who does test positive to log that information with the app so as to alert others of potential exposures.
“All aspects of the COVID Alert app are completely voluntary – Ontarians can choose whether to download the app, whether to use the app after downloading it, and whether to notify others if they test positive for COVID-19,” said Sebastian Skamski, press secretary for the Ontario treasury board president.
“However, using the app and alerting fellow Ontarians is highly encouraged.”
Skamski said the government continues to run marketing across social media and traditional media platforms and is working to get stakeholders to encourage use of the app.
3:41 COVID-19 cases are on the rise among young adults
COVID-19 cases are on the rise among young adults
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, was asked on Tuesday about uptake of the app so far and what else can be done to encourage more people to use it.
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She said targeting certain segments of the population at specific sites where they may be at greater risk of exposure could help.
“I think some ongoing support to disseminate information and ask the public to download would be important,” Tam said, noting that “you don’t have to have necessarily a uniform uptake in a population.”
Instead, she pointed to the young adult population as one segment that might be worth targeting specifically, given they may be more inclined to frequent bars, pubs and restaurants, “or other places where you don’t know everybody around you.”
Chagla offered a similar suggestion.
“All of us are going back into society, all of us are going to stores, going to restaurants. Maybe it’s better for those private industries to say, ‘For the safety of our stores and the safety of the individuals in our establishment, please download the app when you enter this facility,’” he said.
“Encourage people to download the app as part of the experience of coming in.”
3:10 Canada still determining percentage of COVID-19 vaccinations needed to be effective on wider scale: Tam
Canada still determining percentage of COVID-19 vaccinations needed to be effective on wider scale: Tam
The app has been praised by privacy experts who say it strikes the right balance between the need to notify people of potential exposure and avoiding having the government collect increasing swaths of user and location data on citizens.
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Neither the federal nor provincial government can track location or identities as a result of the app.
“Canadians can opt to use this technology knowing it includes very significant privacy protections,” privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien said in a statement when the app was released. “I will use it.”
While the federal government has said it will roll out to other provinces, there’s no timeline yet on when Canadians in other provinces will be able to use it.
The Alberta government said in August that it is in the process of transitioning over to use the new app and will abandon its own provincial app, which was created at a cost of roughly $650,000 but has run into functional challenges.
Manitoba hasn’t yet rolled out an app but says it is looking to expand its contact-tracing work.
Quebec and B.C. have so far said they are not currently planning on using the federal app.
The other provinces have not yet moved either way.
4:05 Are there privacy risks to a COVID-19 contact-tracing app?
Are there privacy risks to a COVID-19 contact-tracing app?
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.
