Government Regulatory Compliance (GRC) and Environmental Regulatory Compliance (ERC) announced they have received a grant to help reduce the spread of coronavirus by using Bluetooth technology.
Apple and Google are launching a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing. Given the urgent need, the plan is to implement this solution in two steps while maintaining strong protections around user privacy.
GRC and ERC have partnered to utilize technology for smartphones to track COVID-19 – and while the technology will not be released until June, some collision and repair shops are already committing to use the technology under California’s Department of Public Health Respiratory Protection Program.
The technology from Apple and Google uses Bluetooth in smartphones to detect when employees come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. It is meant to supplement the effort of contact tracing, which is being implemented by some government agencies.
GRC and ERC are working together to develop the contact tracing platform by building this functionality into the underlying Apple/Google platforms. This is a robust solution to an API that will allow automotive service and repair shops to participate, if they choose to opt in, as well as enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government environmental, health and safety authorities. Privacy, transparency and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, and GRC and ERC look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. They will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze.
GRC and ERC believe there has never been a more important time in the auto repair industry to work together and solve one of the industry’s most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, they hope to harness the power of technology to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and fast-track the return to everyday life.
The SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus covers use of respiratory protection in the workplace. Employer requirements include a written program with designated program administrator, respirator selection procedures, medical evaluations, training, fit testing and recordkeeping. For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected] or visit https://nationalsbeap.org/news/463.
