New Aarogya Setu app allows users to assess risk based on Bluetooth contacts: Here is how it works

The government backed Aarogya Setu app has added a new feature that gives users an additional layer of protection against COVID-19. In a tweet, it was announced that the new feature will now show a list of people with whom you have been in close proximity - enough to establish a Bluetooth connection. It will allow people to identify users they have come in contact with – physically, or otherwise.  

“This will enable you to assess your risk. Some BT contacts can be for short durations during travel, some can be when you have Masks on without any physical contact. Always important to take necessary precautions and monitor your symptoms,” Aarogya Setu tweeted. 

New Aarogya Setu app feature: How it works?

The new feature will allow Aarogya Setu app users to assess risk in relation to the number of people they have been in close proximity with. The tweet from Aarogya Setu states that users will have to upload their data by providing permissions to the app. The feature is currently available on the Android version of the Aarogya Setu app. A separate tweet did say that the update will be made available to iOS users soon.

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“In case your status has been assessed as Moderate Risk or High Risk meaning your screen is Yellow or Orange, Aarogya Setu will also let you know date, time and approximate location and duration of such BT contact with someone who has been diagnosed COVID positive. This will enable you to assess your risk. Some BT contacts can be for short durations during travel, some can be when you have Masks on without any physical contact. Always important to take necessary precautions and monitor your symptoms,” the tweet added.

Similar feature is already being used by Apple and Google in combined efforts to embed the API on Android and iOS platforms so apps can utilise the Bluetooth contact tracing feature.