The pandemic is progressing at a rapid pace, which is why the important CovPass app is also being updated regularly. Update 1.16 adds an extremely important feature that affects booster vaccination.
The CovPass app is still #1 in the app stores. No wonder, because the digital corona vaccination certificate makes everyday life and travel a lot easier. Besides that the app is now accepted in all EU countries and in some third countries. 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 1.16 for iOS and Version 1.16.1 for Android has been released and thus receives some exciting innovations, which to a large extent also implement suggestions from users.
Update to version 1.16 or 1.16.1: This is new
Two new functions in particular stand out in the Version 1.16 (iOS) or. Version 1.16.1 (Android) out:
- Home screen: An optical adjustment on the start screen should ensure better data protection. It is now no longer clear whether it is a vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery. Instead, it only shows that there is a digital COVID certificate from the EU. The date on which full vaccination protection was achieved is also no longer displayed.
- Booster detection: Following the new EU regulations, Covpass supports a new scheme for the classification of booster vaccinations. Purpose of the exercise: Vaccination certificates showing completion of the first series of vaccinations should always be distinguishable from vaccination certificates issued after a booster dose. So far, the standard has only been 3/3 detection, i.e. double the dose of a vaccine plus a booster vaccination. Now the app also supports 2/1, which stands for a booster dose after vaccination with a single dose or after administration of a dose of a two-dose vaccine to a recovered person.
Other new features of the CovPass update improve autofocus when scanning certificates on Android. In addition, the onboarding process for Android is not repeated with every update. A bug that occurred when scanning certificates for foldable smartphones has been fixed.
Plans for CovPass app 1.17
As soon as version 1.16 is out, there are already plans for version 1.17. It should be published in early February. The so-called trust list, a listing of trustworthy certificates, is to receive an improved update mechanism. There should also be bug fixes for the interface.
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.