The Dutch government expects to make a decision on the deployment of a corona app in four weeks. Such an app will make it possible to trace people, who would have been in contact with a corona patient. Health Minister De Jonge wrote this April 21 to the House of Representatives. The seven apps presented at an "appathon" last weekend all turned out not to be ready for use.
There were still many questions during the appathon about the privacy and security of tracking apps. Also, the usefulness of such an app would not yet be proven. Nevertheless, the minister writes in his letter that he is "pleased" that the "appathon" has initiated a broad social dabat. "I am not thinking lightly about the introduction of digital support for source and contact detection. I will not compromise on the preconditions. Any introduction of apps will have to be accompanied by scientific research," De Jonge said.
The House letter also mentions that a new team is being created to work on a new solution. "My commitment is to quickly have a team with the right builders and also with experts in areas such as information security, privacy, fundamental rights, national security and inclusion," the minister explained.
According to the GGD umbrella organization, there is "no reason" to deploy a corona app now, as the "intelligent lockdown" measures have been extended until May 20. During this phase, the deployment of such an app is of little use, according to the health authority.
Click here for the COVID-19 parliamentary letter from Health Minister Hugo de Jonge.
