Spanish island trials Covid-19 tracing app that will create virtual outbreak

Volunteers show residents how to install an app to trace contacts with people potentially infected with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) being trialled on the Canary Island of La Gomera, Spain. — Reuters

GRAN CANARIA, Spain: Residents of the Spanish island of La Gomera have started downloading a new app on their phones aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19 infections in a pilot which will test the technology by simulating an outbreak of the disease.

If the test succeeds on the island, which with a population of around 22,000 is one of the smallest in the Canary archipelago popular with tourists, it may be rolled out nationwide.