Unfortunately, the coronavirus is still alive and well, which means that tracking applications are still needed. An issue with apps developed using Google’s Android Exposure Notifications System that was affecting tracking apps in several countries was fortunately fixed, so COVID-19 tracking now works on Android devices again.
Unlike most apps, COVID-19 tracking apps are important to the livelihood of most people, causing Google to issue a statement when a upload notification issue came up at some point yesterday. This problem was attributed to the fact that applications were unable to download diagnostic keys from the servers and affected all applications developed with the Android Exposure Notifications System, which included the NHS COVID-19 application used in England and Wales, as well as the application CoronaMelder The Netherlands. Some found that restarting the phone or entering and exiting airplane mode would clear the notification, but an app as prominent as that obviously needed a legitimate fix.
Fortunately, Google was able to fix the problem very quickly. A Google spokesman told Engadget, “It may take a few hours for the devices to recover, and in some cases, we will work directly with the developers to assist in recovery. The problem did not cause any data loss or potential exposure.” The app still collected contact tracking keys and tracking exposures while the problem was active, so the problem shouldn’t have directly affected anyone’s health.
