MIT: Three US local govts to adopt coronavirus contact tracing app

The Private Kit mobile app aims to help authorities with contact tracing efforts to curb the spread of a novel coronavirus (Covid-19). — Reuters

OAKLAND, California: Three US local governments plan to sign deals this week to become the first to adopt a location tracking app aimed at preventing new outbreaks of the novel coronavirus, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-led project said on March 9.

An additional 17 state and municipal governments are considering introducing the app in their communities as soon as in the next two weeks, said Ramesh Raskar, an associate professor at MIT, in an email exchange.