Google says a solution for Android coronavirus tracking delay is on the way

Google says it is working to investigate issues with Android apps that use the Android Display Notification System to monitor COVID-19 releases. An issue started causing delays for apps using the system, leading to longer load times and delays in notifications for regular exposure checks. This COVID-19 Android app which is used throughout England and Wales overcomes this Android issue, with download notifications going into the notification area for many users.

“We are aware of an issue affecting Android apps developed using the Android Display Notification System,” said a Google spokesperson. The edge in a statement earlier Wednesday. “Our engineers are investigating the matter. ”

As of Wednesday afternoon, Google reports The edge it has provided a solution, but it may take some time to fix issues, although Google says it will work with any affected app developers to rectify the issue if keep it going.

“Late on the evening of January 12, an issue with the Display Notification System on Android started causing a delay in checking for potential exposures for those with apps installed,” a Google spokesperson said. in a statement. “We have come up with a solution. It may take a few hours to get a grip on devices, and in some cases we will work directly with developers to help overcome it. The case did not result in any data loss or potential exposures. ”

Google has also shed some light on the issue. The company states The edge the issue was with a signature key configuration, which meant that notification messaging apps went into cases downloading diagnostic keys from their key servers. As a result notification was delayed, an important issue given the importance of timely communication detection efforts in halting the spread of any advanced COVID-19 cases. Google advises users not to clear their storage in the app while the configuration is going out.

These issues have been affecting all the apps around the world that use the Android Display Notification System. The CoronaMelder app in the Netherlands is also experiencing issues. More than 10 million people in England and Wales downloaded the NHS COVID-19 app in September, but it’s unclear how many downloads have been made so far or the split between iOS and Android.

Google introduced their coronavirus tracking system for Android in April 2020. The app uses Bluetooth to broadcast data anonymously and to help track and discover programs around the world.

Updated January 13th 10:18 AM: An updated article with details about the CoronaMelder app also gets issues addressed.

Updated January 13th, 2:45 PM ET: We added a new statement from Google stating that the company has released a solution to resolve the delay. The headline has also been updated to reflect this fact.