The Cook Islands are in the final steps of releasing an upgraded contact tracing system, as a key element for a travel bubble with New Zealand.
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The existing QR-code, CookSafe system, which serves users without access to a smartphone, is now being developed adding a bluetooth functionality, which will make it compatible with NZ's Covid Tracer app, and will be called CookSafe Plus.
A smartphone is needed to access CookSafe Plus as it will be available via a downloadable app.
When the app is installed, it'll track the movements of users and can determine if close contact has been made with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
However, one of the steps to reach completion is to secure additional funding through a revamped memorandum of understanding.
Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer, Eve Hayden, said an updated MOU between the Chamber and the government would allow them to move forward.
She expected user acceptance testing on the app to begin next week.