The “Saqbol” mobile app surpassed the mark of 100K users and more than 100 of them have already received a notification about having a contact with people tested positive for COVID-19.

The Saqbol app was designed to minimize the distribution of the coronavirus infection through notification of users on the possible risk of COVID-19 contraction. 

“100K downloads is quiet a good indicator considering that the app has been launched in October, though this is not enough. In order for the app to be effective, no less than 60 % of citizens should install the app. That is why I urge Kazakhstani citizens to download Saqbol app for your safety and safety of your relatives and do not be afraid to send notifications in case of positive PCR test. Notifications are anonymous, there is no need to indicate a name, address or location” commented Asset Turyssov, Chairman of the Board, National Information Technologies JSC. 

Saqbol operates by transmitting encrypted data via Bluetooth between smartphones of the app users. If a person takes a PCR test and gets a positive result, s/he can anonymously notify people with whom s/he has been in contact within the last 14 days, at a distance of 2 meters for more than 5 minutes. The notification was received by 100 people. Data about a person tested positive for COVID-19, when a user had a contact with him/her or where is not transmitted.

The app is available for download in GooglePlay and AppStore.