[Suggestion] QR code for shops

[uriyapes]

Users: allow to scan QR codes that will be placed at the entrance of the shop.

Shops: Generate unique QR codes to be printed and placed on its entrance.

Obviously I am not familiar with Hamagen 2.0 performance, however, I think it's a good idea that will contribute in two aspects:

1. Assistance in the tracking of COVID-19 users.

2. Decrease false-alarm rate - Hamagen 2.0 uses Bluetooth signal power and GPS to locate the user path and proximity to other users. Unfourtantly, GPS is not accurate enough and is limited in closed spaces and Bluetooth signal power might not be reliable since it is affected by many factors such as environment, phone types, etc. (I am speaking from experience as a former digital communication engineer, for more details see https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/04/22/1000353/bluetooth-contact-tracing-needs-bigger-better-data/). This will result in a lot of false alarms.
   For example, assume the following scenario: there are 2 persons, one is inside a store and the second is in the street outside or in a store nearby. If one of the persons is sick it might result in a false alarm for the second user because Bluetooth signal power might be high enough and GPS location will be inaccurate (closed space). This false alarm could be avoided by using QR codes which will help differentiate between the locations.

People already suggested using QR-codes in shops to improve app accuracy - see MohGovIL/hamagen-react-native#193. (I am reposting because I believe this suggestion is more relevant for this repo's issues).

[kaplanlior]

Hi @uriyapes , thanks for the idea (even if it's a repost)

Would you expect people to scan the QR code on both entrance and exit ? We need to make sure we don't ignore location info as "inaccurate" when people leave the shop.

[eyalr0]

locationtracing.pdf
Hi,

See attached suggestion by me and Prof. Benny Pinkas.

[kaplanlior]

Thanks @eyalr0 .

I believe that if we can use this scan to also help meeting the criteria of purple regulation, it would encourage compliance.

[uriyapes]

Hi @kaplanlior, thanks for the question.
Scanning the code in the exit is the preferred way, however, this method could still work if people forget to scan the QR-code on exit by using the other location indicators to understand the user left the closed-space.

@eyalr0, great document! It formalizes the suggestion. I do believe it is important to incorporate your suggestion with Hamagen 2.0 app.

[ronenabra]

I think the main issue with QR codes is usability - I doubt anyone will remember/bother to scan them on entry & exit. It works in Singapore & China because its implemented as a gateway - i.e. - you need to scan it to physically enter and exit the premises and there is usually a security guard involved to make sure you do. Probably not happening in our case.
That said - if we can get people to scan the QR at some point while they are in the shop (at the entrance, when they pay at the register, etc.) - perhaps we can use sensor data to "guesstimate" when they entered the shop and when they left...

[uriyapes]

I think the main issue with QR codes is usability - I doubt anyone will remember/bother to scan them on entry & exit. It works in Singapore & China because its implemented as a gateway - i.e. - you need to scan it to physically enter and exit the premises and there is usually a security guard involved to make sure you do. Probably not happening in our case.
That said - if we can get people to scan the QR at some point while they are in the shop (at the entrance, when they pay at the register, etc.) - perhaps we can use sensor data to "guesstimate" when they entered the shop and when they left...

I am a little bit more optimistic, one year ago, who would imagine citizens will comply with lockdowns, wearing masks, and Shin Bet tracking. I believe that public compliance is not solely a result of enforcement.
In addition, we can assume that the awareness of people who download Hamagen is higher than general public.

Regardless, I think the idea of scanning QR code at some point is good.