STM needs 18 million extra masks
The STM is opening bids to provide 18 million disposable masks to get through the next year.
Quebec’s politicians are not keen on the federal tracking app so my prediction is that it won’t be used here. Jonathan Montpetit says in this piece that discussions have considered “developing a Quebec version” so I refer you to yesterday’s post and discussion.
Update: The human rights commission is concerned that employers could require workers to install the app.
paul 11:42 on 2020-08-13 Permalink
Regarding the tracking app, in typical QC fashion:
‘Not only can we produce something worse than your product, we will pay good money to do so!’
Michael Black 12:16 on 2020-08-13 Permalink
The article I read this morning about the hearings seemed to focus on whether an app is effective. There are limitations, people like me who don’t have cellphones, but that just means it won’t be perfect, not a reason to not go with an app. How can anything not be better than the fax-based system that now exists?
jeather 13:09 on 2020-08-13 Permalink
I’m trying to figure out what the harm/costs are to using this app. I am similarly unconvinced by how effective it will be, are we worried people will put too much faith in it and assume without a notification they could not be exposed?
Spi 14:20 on 2020-08-13 Permalink
Politicians seem unconvinced that it will be effective from a public administration point of view and not from the citizens point of view.
Politicians keep repeating that it seems ineffective in helping to plan or track, what a regular joe that would rather know if he’s been potentially exposed what about their concerns?
Raymond Lutz 21:06 on 2020-08-13 Permalink
Sensible position here (as always, from M. Geist) https://www.michaelgeist.ca/2020/08/why-i-installed-the-covid-alert-app
Kevin 23:30 on 2020-08-13 Permalink
Good catch Raymond
If Geist says it’s private, the politicians should shut up and agree.
thomas 11:29 on 2020-08-14 Permalink
The app is getting rave reviews as seen in this thread https://twitter.com/benadida/status/1294087566803623941
JaneyB 13:55 on 2020-08-14 Permalink
Great news. Happy to hear it gets the nod from Geist! I wish I could use it but it needs iOS 13 which is beyond the reach of my phone. I’m sure I’m not unique. They need to make a version for older phones esp if they need 70% population uptake. Still, a good start.
CE 14:42 on 2020-08-14 Permalink
Same here, my girlfriend and I are still on iPhone 6. Mine should last until around the end of the year and her’s still has at least a couple years left.