Google fixes the issue that led to delays in Android coronavirus tracking system

Google on Thursday fixed an issue that led to delays in the apps that used its Android Exposure Notification System to track the spread of Covid-19.

Google in a statement to The Verge said that while the issue in its exposure notification system had been fixed, it may take some time for the issue to subside completely from the Android apps that it is affecting. The company also said that it will work with the affected app developers to fix the issue directly if it persists.

“We have issued a fix. It may take a few hours for devices to catch up, and in some cases, we will work directly with developers to help with recovery. The issue did not cause the loss of any data or potential exposures,” the company said in a statement to the publication.

Notably, the issue with the Android Exposure Notification System occurred on the late evening on January 12 wherein users started experiencing delays while checking the apps being powered by this technology for potential exposures. What’s concerning is the fact that it didn’t affect the Covid-19 tracking apps by a specific developer or in a particular region, but it affected apps developed using this system across the globe.

The report says that in the case of the NHS Covid-19 app that is widely used by people in England and Wales, a loading notification was stuck in the notification area of their phones. Here’s a screenshot of what the issue looked like:

In addition to this, it also affected the CoronaMelder app that is used in the Netherlands.

Thankfully, the issue has been resolved now. And it should be out on all Android apps using this system soon.