Shafeeq Alingal

The Ehteraz app has recorded more than 1mn downloads on the Google Play Store so far, with people in Qatar complying with the preventive measures put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The app has also seen a large number of downloads on the Apple App Store.

The Cabinet had recently issued a decision making it mandatory for all citizens and residents to install and activate the Ehteraz app on smartphones when leaving the house for any reason. This decision is effective until further notice.

While the app earned the praise of residents for being an effective tool in the fight against Covid-19, some users had complained of technical glitches. In response, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) advised users to keep updating the application. “We are doing enhancements, so always update the application,” the ministry had said.

Accordingly, app enhancements have been made on both the Android and iOS platforms. The latest enhancement was done on May 23 for Android and May 24 for iOS, according to information available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, respectively.

The MoI has also been carrying out an awareness campaign stressing the importance of using the app.

Ehteraz is a tool developed to track the contacts of Covid-19 positive cases and helps healthcare officials fight the virus with the help of members of the society. It also displays the latest developments and official statistics related to the outbreak, and shares awareness and precautionary instructions issued by the official authorities.

Vodafone and Ooredoo have waived data charges while using Ehteraz in order to ease and promote the app’s usage.

Recently, a senior health official also assured Qatar residents that they need not have any privacy concerns about the Ehteraz app, a very important tool to combat the Covid-19 outbreak and safeguard public health.