Australians could be tracked via their mobile phone amid coronavirus

Australians could be tracked via their mobile phones in order to trace who they’ve come into contact with if diagnosed with coronavirus.

The federal government is looking to Singapore, where a mobile phone application is being used to help with contact tracing amid the outbreak.

The TraceTogether application uses Bluetooth to detect other users in close proximity, with encounters stored on a person’s phone.

They then have to share the records with authorities when asked to be part of a contact tracing investigation.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed the government is looking at digital options for contact tracing.

“But to fight this fight, there are so many tools that we have to use,” Mr Morrison told reporters.

“But the people we need most are Australians listening, being patient, carefully understanding the things we are asking of them.

“We know it is a massive change to our lives but if we do it, and we do it consistently, and we do it patiently and understandingly, then we will get through this.”