Leaders encourage the community to download the Coronavirus app
The president of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry Jillian Segal sends this message to the community Australia-wide: “I strongly encourage members of our community to download and activate this app. I have personally done so.“The risk of misuse is slight compared to the health and social benefits of rapid, comprehensive and accurate contact by health officials with people who might have been exposed to infection”.Ms Segal referred members of the community to the “CORONAVIRUS CONTACT APP FAQS” document issued by the Federal government. “It provides detailed information about how the app works, as well as the privacy and security aspects”, she said.
She added: “The gradual easing of restrictions on movement and physical distancing as the number of reported new infections declines presents new challenges. The government has correctly sought a pathway back to a regularly functioning economy, but without setting off a second wave of infections. If this app means that we can ease social distancing and restrictions on movement, and begin a transition back to normal life, then it is worth it.”
Jillian Segal acknowledges that no system is perfect and that there remains a possibility of misuse of data in any system.
The president of The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies Lesli Berger said: ” I’ve just downloaded the COVIDSafe app. I want to make sure my family are safe and to do my bit to keep our community safe. The response to this pandemic isn’t only the responsibility of government and health authorities. We all have a role to play, especially if we want to minimise the economic impact and have social distancing restrictions lifted as soon as possible. The app will help identify anyone who’s exposed to the virus, allowing officials to rapidly isolate infection outbreaks. Any technology that helps keep us healthy is a positive development. I encourage everyone to download the app
In Melbourne, The Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Jennifer Huppert added: “I encourage all members of the community to download and use the COVIDSafe App. The virus and the restrictions imposed to limit its spread have had a significant impact on our Community, and the widespread use of the App has the potential to both enable health authorities to track the spread of the virus and ease the restrictions we have all been living with.”
Joan Hillman, president of the Jewish Community Council Of Western Australia told J-Wire: “WA is following the endorsement made by ECAJ.”
In Queensland, the president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies Paul Myers said: “The QJBD fully supports the ECAJ position and encourage all community members to support the app.”
South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT community leadership were asked for comment.
With the app using Bluetooth, users are advised to keep your phone on charge as often as possible.
