A Mumbai resident, who was moved to a quarantine facility despite an absence of symptoms or medical history, based on an alert generated by the Aarogya Setu App has tested negative and was released from quarantine on Sunday, 19 April.
According to a report by The Indian Express, officials of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), who along with police had arrived at the woman’s Kalina residence on Thursday, informed her that she, along with her husband would have to be transferred to a quarantine facility in Santa Cruz, leaving their daughter behind.
On Saturday BMC officials clarified that the action was based on an alert generated by the Aarogya Setu App. The app, registered with the Union government passes on the alert to state governments which forwards it to municipal governments and wards for ground level action.
"When I came down, the BMC officers said you have to come with us for COVID-19 test. I again asked them why should I come for the test. Then the BMC told me that your name has come from PMO office that’s why you have to come for the test," she told The Quint.
The woman was provided little clarity about the basis for the decision, except that the order had come from the PMO.
Launched on 2 April, Aarogya Setu, developed by the Government of India, is a contact tracing tool. It is meant to help determine if you have come in contact with someone “who could have tested COVID-19 positive.”
The app has come under severe criticism for privacy and surveillance concerns as well as the lack of audit and transparency.
Stating that she had downloaded the app and has stayed indoors during the period of the lockdown, the woman said she did not upload anything about her medical history. and neither had she received any notifications from the app regarding her condition.
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