Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has encouraged smartphone owners to download the new HSE COVID Tracker App to their phone.

The App, which was launched this morning, will facilitate digital contact tracing of close contacts of confirmed cases of COVID-19, allows users to record if they have symptoms, and provides daily information about COVID-19 from a trusted source. 

Deputy Smith commented, “Until such a time a vaccine is available, we will be living with coronavirus and the associated risks. In Counties Cavan and Monaghan many families know too well the consequences of this deadly virus. We are still recovering from what I hope will be the worst of the virus, and this new App will play a part in this recovery.

“The tracking app launched this morning is an important step in slowing the transmission of the virus and stopping it in its tracks if the virus began to take off again.

“The introduction of the COVID Tracker App will allow us to speed up reporting and tracing from the first onset of the symptoms of COVID-19, making the app’s role in testing and contact tracing vital to the continued momentum of the reopening of Irish society and business.

“On numerous occasions in Dáil Éireann I raised with Minister Harris the need to develop tracing app systems that would be compatible North and South. I believe further work is essential in this regard. 

“I will be working in tandem with my Party colleague, Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly TD, to ensure he and his Officials are fully aware of the public health needs in Cavan-Monaghan as we continue to beat this virus. I would encourage as many as possible to download and use this application,” concluded Deputy Smith.