Distribution of e-bracelets begins

MANAMA: The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has started distributing electronic bracelets compatible with Bahrain’s Covid-19 contact tracing app, ‘BeAware’.

The app complements contact tracing efforts to swiftly identify and keep track of all active cases and their contacts.

The self-isolating individuals are obliged to wear the electronic bracelet that will notify the monitoring station when they are 15 metres away from their phone, in which case a warning will be sent.

Violators will face legal penalties as per Public Health Law No 34 for 2018, potentially being sentenced to imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and a fine of between BD1,000 and BD10,000, or either one of the two penalties.

The app requires users to ensure their smart devices are charged and that their location services, Bluetooth, GPS and Internet connection are on.

iPhone users will need to ensure that the ‘Allow Location Access’ is set at ‘Always’.

Self-isolating individuals using the app must identify their isolation location, in most cases their home, by selecting “Set Home Location” upon arrival.

Users can correct location information by calling 444.

Health Ministry officials may randomly send picture requests to which self-isolating individuals must respond with a photo that clearly shows their face and bracelet.

Attempting to remove or tamper with the bracelet is a violation and officials confirmed the bracelet is waterproof. Self-isolating individuals are also required to schedule a Covid-19 test date three days prior to the end of their self-isolation period by calling 444 or visiting the Health Ministry’s website.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/788904/Distribution-of-e-bracelets-begins