Feds introduce new digital initiatives for COVID‑19

OTTAWA – On April 30, the Government of Canada announced two new additions to their suite of virtual tools to support the health and wellness of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We continue to act to make sure Canadians have access to updated and accurate information on the virus,” said Patty Hajdu, minister of health, in a prepared statement. “I encourage all Canadians to use the Canada COVID-19 mobile app and the other digital tools to stay informed, to check your symptoms and to find help if you feel unwell or unsure.”

Get Updates on COVID-19 is a web-based email service that provides subscribers with critical information related to the pandemic.

Developed by Health Canada, the Canadian Digital Service (CDS), and Service Canada, subscribers to the service will get emails directing them to content on the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 website, Canada.ca/coronavirus.

The ArriveCan app, developed in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency, allows travellers returning to Canada to input their 14-day isolation or quarantine information upon arrival. The app works by digitizing the information collected under the current paper form that travellers must complete. This required information includes flight or border crossing details, whether travellers are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, and whether they have quarantine accommodations.

Get Updates on COVID-19 and ArriveCan will join the government’s suite of digital tools, including the Canada COVID-19 mobile app, which features a symptom tracker, a self-assessment tool, and information on mental health and substance use support.

Both apps are free and available on the government website and through the Apple App Store and Google Play.