* Cabinet decision on mandatory app usage comes into effect from Friday

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged users to keep the Ehteraz application up-to-date for optimal utilisation of the service.

To complaints of glitches from users, the ministry said: “We are doing enhancement, so always update the application”.

Some said they found the application not working properly, while some others said they were not able to download it.

Given the Cabinet decision that made installing the application on phones mandatory before leaving the house for any reason from Friday (May 22), several residents said they were worried.

One resident said his iPhone kept crashing each time he tried to install the application. This was in addition to the complaints regarding inability to download the application without a valid Qatar ID.

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

Regarding the complaints of battery drain, the MoI said Bluetooth and Location are required for the effective functioning of the app by helping to identify if a user has been in the proximity of someone who has been quarantined or infected.

Vodafone and Ooredoo have waived data charges for using Ehteraz in order to ease and promote the usage.

The MoI on Thursday reiterated, through its social media accounts, that all citizens and residents must instal and activate the Ehteraz app before stepping out of the house from Friday. The Cabinet decision in this regard is effective until further notice.


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