Tracking corona infections: Bremen introduces “Luca App”

Digital registration in bars and restaurants

The application is intended to help the health authorities to determine contacts of people who have tested corona-positive more quickly. The app can already be downloaded now. As soon as bars, restaurants or shops open again, visitors or customers can then register digitally using a QR code. This should replace the previous information such as name, address and telephone number in paper form. In the past, data protection activists had repeatedly criticized this type of recording because lists of names were sometimes displayed in restaurants, for example, so that everyone could see them.

In addition, the health authorities can use the Luca app to identify contact persons for infected people more quickly, as there is no need to research the previous whereabouts of those affected. Incorrect information about contact details is also excluded. According to the developer – a private company from Berlin – all recorded contact details are encrypted. Only the health authorities are therefore able to identify the users of the app by name.

All northern German federal states are pulling along

The “Luca App” is free and can be used with all common smartphones, but there is no obligation to do so. In addition to Bremen, eight other federal states are currently planning to use the app, including all in northern Germany. Lower Saxony had already signed a corresponding contract for use with the developers several days ago, for three million euros.