The CovPass app is an important tool for quickly and easily verifying your current corona status. Version 1.19, which has now been released, finally makes it easier to assign new certificates in CovPass – and thus ensures less frustration when using the app
The CovPass app has been in the top 3 apps in the app stores for over a year now. No wonder, because the digital corona vaccination certificate makes everyday life and travel a lot easier during the pandemic. Whether in a restaurant, at check-in at the airport, in a hotel or at the ticket office for attractions: the CovPass app can be used to prove that you have been vaccinated or have recovered.
Now the CovPass app is in the Version 1.19 for iOS and Android has been released and thus receives some exciting innovations, which to a large extent also implement suggestions from users.
Update to version 1.19: This is new
Two new functions in particular stand out in the Version 1.19 for iOS or. Android out, which makes for less annoying handling of the app:
- Assignment of newly added certificates: The app can now better assign newly scanned certificates to the right person, even if there are differences in the spelling of the name, title or middle name. So far, error messages and the impossibility of adding the certificate have often occurred.
- New options for 2G Plus exam: Certificates of convalescence can now also be scanned as valid 2G+ proof. The combination of basic immunization/recovery as 2G+ proof is now also possible.
In addition, the CovPass app now includes a statement on the current status of accessibility, which can be found in the app’s settings.
CovPass App: Digital vaccination record for Android and iOS
Like the Corona warning app, the CovPass app is available free of charge and its use is voluntary. Unlike the Corona warning app, the smartphone app CovPass does not have a contact tracing function. Instead, you can use the CovPass app to load proof of corona vaccinations or your recovered status directly onto your smartphone. There is a verification mechanism to prevent counterfeiting. The app consists of 3 steps:
- Scan in proof of vaccination/recovery certificate: With the app, scan the QR code on your vaccination certificate with the app. Anyone who is still vaccinated will receive proof at the vaccination center, from the family doctor and in the hospitals. Alternatively, the document can be obtained from participating pharmacies upon presentation of an official photo ID and the yellow vaccination card.
- View QR code: As proof of a full vaccination or recovery, the CovPass app then displays a QR code right on the start screen.
- Scan QR code: You can quickly prove your vaccination status during admission controls. The QR code in the app can in turn be scanned using the CovPassCheck app and confirms your vaccinations.
Important: The QR code of a corona vaccination is only valid if 14 days have passed after the second vaccination or if a booster vaccination has been entered. When checked, the QR code also shows only the most necessary information, such as vaccination status, name and date of birth. In addition to the app, a valid ID document, such as an ID card, is also required.
The app allows you to add several vaccination certificates, so that parents can, for example, also store certificates for their children there and show them on request.
Privacy in the CovPass app
Corona apps have increased data protection requirements. The CovPass app cannot work completely anonymously, after all it is intended to prove the vaccination status for a specific person. Security and data protection were nevertheless taken into account. The RKI mentions the following points:
- Local data storage: The complete vaccination data is only permanently stored locally on the smartphone.
- Data economy: The QR code contains only the minimum required data set according to EU specifications.
- Cryptographic security: The QR code is protected by a strong signature and is forgery-proof.
The app runs on Android 6 or iOS 12.1 or higher.