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Want to avoid coronavirus? There’s an app for that (just not in the U.S.)

Sure, phones have germs. But apps could help keep you safe

By Herb Scribner Herb Scribnerhscribner@deseretnews.com
SHARE Want to avoid coronavirus? There’s an app for that (just not in the U.S.)
In this March 1, 2020, file photo, army soldiers wearing protective suits spray JJ disinfectant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in front of a branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu, South Korea. As the coronavirus spreads around the world, many events that normally would draw large numbers of people are being canceled or played without fans. (Lee Moo-ryul/Newsis via AP, File)

In this March 1, 2020, file photo, army soldiers wearing protective suits spray disinfectant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in front of a branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu, South Korea. As the coronavirus spreads around the world, many events that normally would draw large numbers of people are being canceled or played without fans. (Lee Moo-ryul/Newsis via AP, File)

Lee Moo-ryul, Associated Press

South Korea citizens have turned to smartphone apps to keep themselves safe from the coronavirus outbreak, Quartz reports.

What’s going on?

  • People can see how close they are to a confirmed COVID-19 case, which comes from new public government data within the country, according to Quartz.
  • The data shows where the patient was confirmed for the disease, the demographic data and their location history.
  • The app shows a person’s nationality, age and gender, too.
  • The app Corona 100m will tell people if they are within 328 feet of a person who had COVID-19.

How popular is the app?

  • Developers said these apps have become some of the post popular through the Google Play app store, according to CNN Business.
  • Bae Won-Seok, a creator of Corona 100m, told CNN Business installs have reached more than 20,000 per hour. The app has 1 million downloads in three weeks.

Another app

  • Corona Map tracks people’s location data, too, according to Business Insider.
  • It was the second most-downloaded app in Korea on Wednesday.
  • Government health officials have installed “drive-thru” testing centers where you can be tested within 10 minutes, according to Business Insider.