Consider reducing minimumExposureDurationMinutes from 15 minutes to something lower to account new variants of COVID19

[LeadSongDog]

Summary | Résumé

Reduce minimumExposureDurationMinutes

One paragraph explanation of the bug, including why it is a problem (i.e. what does it prevent a user from doing or accomplishing). Screenshots are greatly helpful here too.

New variants of concern are known to propagate through briefer generations (as little as 24 hours) and on shorter contacts. Please consider reducing minimumExposureDurationMinutes from the existing arbitrary value of 15.

[emilykuret]

@LeadSongDog We're working with PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada) and others on how we approach the variants. As soon as we know more we will share out. This is very much on our radar 🙌

[LeCanardQuoi]

How much longer will it take at HC to catch up with the UK NHS folks more experienced at responding to B.117?
“We changed the sensitivity of the exposure notification algorithm and we are going to have to make similar changes if it turns out any other variants that are emerging need an intervention”
https://www.digitalhealth.net/2021/03/nhs-covid-19-app-important-pillar-in-easing-lockdown-restrictions/

[LeadSongDog]

@emilykuret Any updates? Two months have gone by....

[CalvinRodo]

At the moment we have no more info to share on modifying minimumExposureDurationMinutes

[LeCanardQuoi]

Fyi, issue was first raised in mid December but deferred for internal discussions at CDS. Testing would have been required and impact on battery utilisation (and documentation) would need to be scrutinized.
cds-snc/covid-alert-app#1304

[LeCanardQuoi]

The Germans are providing for 5 minutes proximity contact duration and improved risk assessment on their corona-warn-app in response to the VOC.
See https://www.coronawarn.app/en/blog/2021-02-23-corona-warn-app-risk-calculation-optimization/
and most recent:
https://www.coronawarn.app/en/blog/2021-03-19-risk-calculation-improvement/