Category Archives: Daily Digest

AFTNews, Daily Digest, PRNews

Sarcopenia Prevention

Studies have shown that after middle age, adults will on average lose three percent of their muscle strength with each passing year.  This progressive loss of muscle strength has been associated with shorter life expectancy and reduced quality of life, when compared to individuals who have maintained normal muscle strength.

Loss of muscle mass – also known as sarcopenia – is a common consequence of the aging process and contributes to, weakness, balance instability, and age-related decline of health and well being. 

Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to prevent muscle breakdown and the health impact of sarcopenia with age.

Use it or lose it

The muscles need regular use to maintain their strength and function.  The ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle and immobility for prolonged periods of time lead to an accelerated muscle loss and weakness.  Therefore, the first step for reducing the risk of sarcopenia is to reduce physical inactivity by adopting a consistent fitness routine.  Research has shown that the best approach is to engage in aerobic and resistance training, along with balance exercises for maintaining muscle strength.

Protein Power

The body requires an adequate amount of calories and nutrients to function properly.  A diet that lacks essential nutrients such as protein, fails to provide the building blocks necessary to grow, repair, and maintain muscle health.  The latest nutrition recommendations suggest that healthy adults consume approximately 0.8 grams of protein per 1 kg of body weight and increase with greater physical activity levels.  Try to include healthy portions of foods and snacks that are high in protein, throughout the day.  Some high protein sources include fish, lean meats, eggs and dairy products, nuts and seeds, beans, and tofu.

Strengthen Digestion

Unfortunately, as we age, our digestion becomes weaker and without a strong digestive process, even a healthy diet may fail to provide essential nutrients required to maintain the health and function of your muscles.  It’s important to support all aspects of the digestive sequence to maximize nutrient breakdown and absorption.  Starting with the mouth by maintaining proper oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and chewing your food thoroughly.  In general, you can consume smaller portions and eat more times to ensure adequate intake of nutrients and lessen the digestive burden of large, heavy meals.  You can include a small cup of warm lime water before meals to stimulate digestion, support acidity, and promote digestive enzyme function.

Practice Wellness Promotion

The importance of staying healthy cannot be overstated and although there are numerous reasons to practice a wellness lifestyle, here’s one more benefit to consider.  Chronic illness, such as inflammation, places significant stress on the mind and body.  This prolonged stress response leads to the breakdown of muscle, as seen in chronic liver and kidney disease, as well as cancer.  Also, the feeling of fatigue, soreness, and overall lack of well being discourages or hinders physical movement, resulting in muscle loss and weakness due to inactivity.  When it comes to chronic illness, prevention through practicing a wellness lifestyle is possible.

By Dr. Jason Culp

Research & Development Director

Chiva-Som International Health Resort

AFTNews, Daily Digest

Virtual runs: More than an uptrend, it’s the mainstay

Video calls and virtual meetings, once commonly found only in boardrooms and lecture halls have become the staple in almost every household. This year, video calls became the mainstay for adults and students working and studying from home, and to also stay socially-connected with loved ones far and near. They are (virtually) doing everything together. Even marathons and fun runs have gone virtual!

Anyone…(almost) everyone can run!

Runs have become a fun activity and one that does not require prior experience. As marathons and fun runs go virtual, it gives opportunity to more individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in.

With more Malaysians living a sedentary lifestyle of being homebound for much of 2020, a simple solution to this is to run. Gear up with the right attire and a good pair of running shoes, and you are good to go. Virtual runs are generally a safer sport to pick up without being in a confined space, all the while keeping healthy and a safe distance from others in the new normal.

This is particularly good news in a society that needs us to up our game on our overall fitness levels especially with the threat of increased number of obesity cases.

Always with a purpose in mind

Many people start running for various reasons and with different motivations. For Edan Syah, Malaysia’s fastest 2016 marathoner, his inspiration to run was his mother who passed away in 2009, in the prime of her life at 54, following a two-year battle with cancer.

“It was a wake-up call for me. It all unfolded very quickly and it made me realise that life is short and I need to live a purposeful life,” said Edan who decided to train the following year for a full marathon (almost 42.2km) in Singapore in December 2011. “I was surprised that I completed the race within 3 hours 7 minutes and that is when I discovered my potential as a runner”.

For Malaysia’s fitness trainer, Nana Al Haleq’s motivation was always to get moving, and to ensure she can function and perform her daily tasks at optimum levels. “I hope to be able to do the activities I love till I’m old and wrinkly!” she quipped. Nana envisions herself lifting weights, enjoying walks in a park, or hiking to enjoy beautiful scenery, at the ripe age of 80.

Run for fun

Malaysians who participate in runs and marathons opt to do so just for fun too! “Whatever the activity or sports you engage in, make sure it is enjoyable because living active is all about having fun,” said Nana, whose first virtual run participation will be this year’s Coway Run 2020: Change the Game happening from Nov 1-29, 2020.

“I’m sure that it would be a fun and relaxing experience because I’m able to complete the run at my own time despite having to juggle a few tasks from home,” she said, adding that the Coway Run’s gamification twist injects the fun factor into the month-long programme that allows runners to complete run even within the comfort of their home.

The gaming element allows runners to collect achievement badges having reached four significant milestones (levels) throughout the run namely Level 1 (first 3km), Level 2 (10km mark), Level 3 (20km mark) and Level 4 (40km mark). For excitement throughout the month, the Coway Run 2020 has weekly contests in store for runners to win attractive prizes. “Having the run based on an 8-bit game and the ability to earn rewards as I go makes it unique and enjoyable,” Nana added.

Pay it forward for common good

Virtual runs, as with conventional marathons of recent years, have sought to align themselves with noble, charitable causes. The Coway Run 2020: Change the Game is following through its commitment to champion the Happy Water Project, which aims to provide clean drinking water and promote good hygiene practices to 1,000 Orang Asli families as part of Coway’s 5-year goal. A total of RM10 from each Coway Run sign up will be channelled to the initiative.

For Edan who has participated in a number of virtual runs, being able to support the Happy Water Project was a catalyst for him to participate in Coway Run 2020. Nana echoed similar sentiments on this.

So if you are looking to get a head-start on your New Year’s resolution to get healthy, start with a mile (or less) a day next month with Coway Run 2020.

To sign up for the run, register here: www.eventbrite.sg/e/coway-run-2020-change-the-game-virtual-run-tickets. For more information on the run, visit: www.cowayrun.com.my. Details on the Happy Water Project are available at www.coway.com.my/happywaterproject.

AFTNews, Daily Digest

International health resort, Chiva-Som, launches online ‘Intensive Wellness Series’

Offering guests an in-depth, interactive journey into the resort’s featured services

Pioneering health and wellness resort, Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, Thailand, has recently introduced its Online Intensive Wellness Series. The new service offers interactive sessions, designed to gradually enhance participants’ knowledge, strengthen abilities, and most importantly, promote maximum benefit for health and wellbeing. Each series includes a virtual health consultation with Chiva-Som’s expert wellness advisors, to ensure each course is suitably matched to individual wellness goals and needs. Chiva-Som kicks off the Online Intensive Wellness Series with a six-week Pilates program to restore physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

For the last 25 years, Chiva-Som has been a pioneer and leading voice in facilitating wellness lifestyle transformation through innovative health retreats and expert advice on evidence-based natural wellness practices. Whilst travel restrictions remain in place, the new Online Intensive Wellness Series will connect individuals with the resort’s wellness team to provide bespoke professional support from the comfort of home.

Stress is a detrimental contributing factor to society worldwide and can increase the risk of   long-term health issues such as heart attacks and diabetes, a weakened immune system and insomnia, to name a few. Designed by Chiva-Som’s expert team of wellness advisors and practitioners, the resort’s tailored six week Pilates Intensive Series enables participants to not only improve joint strength and posture, but also receive a full-body workout whilst alleviating stress and tension, contributing to a healthier mental and emotional state of mind.

Following an online consultation with Chiva-Som’s expert Health and Wellness advisors, participants are introduced to their personal fitness trainer to discuss physical abilities before receiving a bespoke programme. Each week, sessions will focus on a new topic, from Core Management and Axial Elongation; Healthy Spine; Head, Neck and Shoulder Organisation; Alignment and Weight Bearing Exercise; and Movement Integration. Following the session, participants are expected to continue their own practice throughout the week before moving on to the next session.

Expanding on the popular Chiva-Som Online Wellness Services, individuals can now access a wider collection of resort treatments to enhance and support their wellness goals, including Nutritional Consultation, Pilates on Mat, Corrective Posture Exercise and Pranayama. Starting from THB 2,500 (AU $110), participants will be able to speak directly to the experienced wellness team live from home via video link communication and receive personalised feedback regarding lifestyle and nutrition.

Within the Online Intensive Wellness Series, the Pilates series is priced at THB 9,500 (AU $420). 

For more information or to a book a programme, please contact Chiva-Som’s Health & Wellness Reception team Email: h-wreception@chivasom.com Phone: +66 (0) 3253 6791 Web: www.chivasom.com

Please visit Chiva-Som’s blog, Facebook, Instagram ,and YouTube channel for daily wellness and health inspiration. 

AFTNews, Daily Digest

Thanyapura partners with StemCells21 to bring premium stem cell treatments to Phuket

Thanyapura Sports and Health Resort, Phuket has partnered with StemCells21 (SC21), a medical biotech company based in Bangkok, Thailand. With over a  decade of clinical history and 100 years of collective team experience, SC21 combines 21st century cellular medicine and cutting-edge supportive therapies to offer the highest quality stem cell treatments with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells  (iPSCs). 

A first of its kind for Phuket, Thanyapura in partnership with SC21, will offer premium stem cell  treatments for various degenerative diseases, immune disorders, injuries and anti-ageing. The  treatments can also tackle a host of medical problems such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis,  chronic back pain and inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as  strengthen body immunity and improve fertility.  

In the sporting world, regenerative medicine is seen as a crucial component and can aid in  optimising the human body to perform at a higher level, as well as being highly effective in the  treatment of sports injuries through faster healing, reduced injury inflammation and the  regeneration of injured tissue. The human-based regenerative therapy has been successful with  high calibre athletes for endurance enhancement and lengthening professional careers by  reducing injury rates. 

Guests can book a free dedicated one-on-one consultation with a certified stem cell specialist for their first session. Those seeking longer-term treatments can book a discounted stay at Thanyapura to utilise its world-class facilities, award-winning vegan and vegetarian restaurants and lifestyle clinic. 

Speaking about the new venture, President & CEO of Thanyapura World, Philipp Graf von  Hardenberg said, “We are excited to be working with SC21 to facilitate their first clinic outside of  Bangkok and deliver world-class treatment to guests and members at Thanyapura. This  partnership really supports in putting us on the global stage as a leading lifestyle optimisation  destination in the sports and lifestyle industry.”  

Treatment packages can be customised from the number of Premium Grade (P1) MSCs to the  treatment duration and include supportive therapies from a comprehensive health check-up to  the highest standards of after-care services. Thanyapura’s 360 approach will help in delivering  better, longer-lasting outcomes for challenging conditions that conventional therapies often fail  to address, such as stopping disease progression, as well as avoiding surgical intervention. 

“Stem cell therapy is a tool to optimise the human body to perform at a higher level, and we  want to make the environment of the body less hazardous and more harmonious for repair and  regeneration,” said Paul Collier, Founder and Managing Partner of SC21. “SC21 was founded  to provide treatments that few people know are available, and to offer health outcomes that are  superior to what most thought possible, and we are looking forward to bringing our experience  and expertise to Thanyapura.”  

Thanyapura will host a free interactive seminar with stem cell specialists from SC21 on Friday,  30 October 2020 at 11am (GMT + 7). The event, which will also be streamed live and recorded  on Facebook, offers a chance for audiences to gain first-hand knowledge and a deeper understanding of stem cells treatments from experts in the field.  

AFTNews, Daily Digest

Looking for energy? It may be in the muscles

A study of adults 50 years or older see themselves in good health, but want more  strength and energy 

Do you notice any physical changes such as low energy, slower walking speed, decreased strength, unintentional weight loss and fatigue? You may not realise this, but waning strength  and loss of energy is the first indication of compromised muscle health. 

As adults age, having energy throughout the day can involve some extra steps. A survey by the  American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and Abbott shows that they are not alone1. 

Abbott and AARP surveyed 1,480 Americans 50 years and older to better understand how they  view diet and health issues as they age, including muscle health. The survey asked adults to  rank specific elements of their health. A majority of the respondents viewed themselves in  good health, yet 50 percent wished they had more strength or energy to participate in the  activities they enjoy. 

The good news is that with some simple lifestyle changes, you can be on your way to long lasting strength and energy, showing age isn’t a limiting factor. 

1. Activate energy with activity 

Going old school on this tip. You may recall from science class, “a body in motion, stays in  motion”. Think about how that can apply to your daily routine. The American National  Institute on Aging reports that older adults who are inactive, can lose endurance, strength,  balance and flexibility – all key elements for a healthy life2. 

It is recommended that adults do some exercise for at least 30 minutes a day; for those aged  65 and older who are generally fit, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week3. 

Luckily, the AARP-Abbott survey found that many adults exercise multiple times a week,  which is a good first step to keeping healthy. 

Consider walking, swimming or cycling – all of these activities improve strength, flexibility  and balance. Looking for a more ambitious goal? Adults 40 years and older make up 40 to 50  percent of the people who finish marathons within their gender group, proving age does not  dictate how active you can be.

2. Mind your P’s 

Portion and protein, that is. What’s on an adult’s plate can impact how they feel and how active  they can be. A well-balanced and complete diet with nutrients that maximize strength and  energy includes fruits and vegetables, as well as lean meats, dairy and other protein-rich foods. 

As adults get older, their bodies absorb nutrients like protein differently, and protein is critical  in helping rebuild muscle. While we often know the types of food that are good, not as many  know how much of each they should be eating. According to the recent National Health and  Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, 1 in 3 Malaysian adults demonstrated poor health knowledge  which hinders their ability to make healthy lifestyle choices. Research also shows that up to 9 out of 10 aging adults fail to meet the daily recommended amounts of varying key nutrients  recommended for a healthy and active life. To compound this issue, with Malaysians having  longer and busier work schedules, making the right nutritional choices can be difficult. 

“We hear about having a variety of foods on our plate, but it’s just as important to have the  right amount of those foods and nutrients, particularly protein, to help fuel the body inside  and out,” said Tiffany DeWitt, RD, a registered dietitian at Abbott. “Making small daily  nutritional changes can make a big impact on living a healthier, more active life.” 

If you are looking to fill nutrition gaps in your diet, consider including a complete nutritional  supplement like Ensure® Gold™, which is now available in a ready-to-drink option which  offers users all the key benefits of Ensure® Gold™ in a convenient on-the-go format.

3. Muscle up 

Muscles play a big role in your body – from your balance and posture to supporting your  overall immune health. Adults naturally start losing muscle around age 40, and this number  can accelerate with an illness and injury. This accelerated muscle loss can make recovery more  difficult or impact how much energy you have. Despite these facts, only 31 percent of those  surveyed were very or extremely concerned about losing lean muscle at this stage of life. 

“Investing in your muscles now will help you to continue to do the things you love and live a  healthier, more active life at any age,” said Dewitt. “While muscle loss will happen naturally as  you age, the good news is that it’s reversible with the right balance of proper nutrition and  exercise.”

1 Abbott Nutrition News. Press release. America’s Health Checkup. Available from  

http://www.nutritionnews.abbott/content/dam/an/newsroom/images/medialibrary/Press%20Releases/AARP% 20Abbott%20Survey%20Press%20Rel%20FINAL.pdf. Last accessed, 29 May 2019. 

2 National Institute of Aging. Infographics. Get fit for free. Available from  

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/get-fit-free. Last accessed, 29 May 2019. 3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity basics. Available from  

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fp hysicalactivity%2Fbasics%2Fadults%2Findex.htm. Last accessed, 29 May 2019.

AFTNews, Daily Digest, Footwear

“THE KING IS BACK”: PUMA signs long-term partnership with football star Neymar Jr.

Global sports company PUMA has signed a long-term partnership with Brazilian football player Neymar Jr., represented by NR Sports*, one of the most successful athletes of his generation, who will wear PUMA’s legendary PUMA King football boot.  

Neymar will not only wear the PUMA King on pitch, but will be a brand ambassador off-pitch, wearing PUMA’s most important lifestyle, training, and sport-inspired footwear and apparel products.

“Neymar Jr. joining our PUMA Family is fantastic”, said Bjørn Gulden, CEO of PUMA. “He is one of the best players in the world and extremely relevant for the global football and youth culture. We are very excited and look forward to working with him both on and off the pitch.”

In a message to his fans on his social media channels entitled “The King is Back”, Neymar Jr. spoke about the impact that football greats such as Pelé and Maradona have had on his life, and his decision to follow in their footsteps by partnering with PUMA. 

“I grew up watching videos of great football legends such as Pelé, Cruyff, Eusebio and Maradona,” Neymar Jr. said. “These were the kings of the pitch, the kings of my sport. I wish to bring back the legacy that those athletes created on the pitch. They each played in PUMA, and each of them created their magic in The KING.”  

He continued: “Every time I lace my boots, my KING boots, I will do anything to achieve all of my dreams to honor my name and that of all those great ones who wore the KING before me. This will be my PUMA history. The KING is back!”

Neymar has won several trophies in Brazil, Spain and France, as well as the Champions League and the Copa Libertadores. He also won the Olympic Gold Medal with the Brazilian National Team in 2016. He has scored 61 goals in 101 matches for Brazil, making him the third highest goal scorer for his national team.  

He currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and has won three French league titles, two Coupe de France, and two Coupe de la Ligue. He played an important role in leading the club to its first ever Champions League Final in 2020.

*the company which holds the image rights of the athlete

AFTNews, Daily Digest

TAITRA Announces the cancellation of the 2020 TAIPEI CYCLE+ and TaiSPO+ 14-16 May

1 Comment

Following the decision to move the TAIPEI CYCLE show to create the new TAIPEI CYCLE+ and TaiSPO+ in 14-16 May, a final decision has been made to cancel the show.

Due to the latest developments of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), there have been significant travel and logistical restrictions globally. Each government has taken necessary measures to contain the virus and Taiwan Center for Disease Control has also urged the local government to hold or cancel public events with over 1,000 participants.

To comply with the government’s policy and to put people’s health as top priority, TAITRA, the show’s organizer, has made the difficult decision to cancel the May edition. To meet the industries’ needs, Taipei Cycle and TaiSPO will still offer online trade meetings & an online exhibition in May. Further details will be announced shortly.

Walter Yeh, the President and CEO of TAITRA said: “We respectfully apologize for the inconvenience incurred surrounding the cancellation of the 2020 TAIPEI CYCLE show. We have decided to put people’s concerns, health and well being ahead of the prosperity of the show and will return once we can guarantee the safe and inclusive environment we have always provided to the global cycling industry”.

For more information, please check our official websites:

TAIWAN TRADE: www.taiwantradeshow.com.tw

TAIPEI CYCLE: www.taipeicycle.com.tw

TAISPO: www.taispo.com.tw

AFT Features, AFTNews, Daily Digest, Features Australia/NZ, Men's Health, Mental Health, PRNews, Wellness, Women's Health

Blys launches online wellness and telehealth services – yoga, pilates, meditation, PT, counseling and more

On-demand wellness app enables skilled practitioners to work online 

Sessions help maintain Australians’ well-being from home

As self-isolation measures tighten in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, on-demand wellness app Blys announces the launch of its new telehealth service, which allows clients to book qualified wellness professionals for private or group sessions delivered via two-way video.

Blys also offers mental health assistance

In line with Blys’ vision to ensure wellness services are easily accessible to Australians, Blys will launch 20 new digital wellness offerings to help maintain mental and physical health while people across the country are urged to stay home. Costing as little as $39 for a private session, users have digital access to services including yoga, pilates, meditation, physiotherapy, personal training, mindfulness and mental health.

Blys’ digital offering comes at a crucial time as consumer behavior shifts rapidly to support a healthy lifestyle while in isolation. Research from global affiliate network Awin* has revealed a particular surge in online wellness content, with ‘home workout’ searches alone spiking 90% in 30 days.

In addition to ensuring Australians have access to vital wellness services, Blys is committed to helping self-employed practitioners make a living after being hit financially as a result of non-essential closures. 

Founder and CEO, Ilter Dumduz commented, “We are pleased to launch our telehealth service and continue to carry out our mission of conveniently providing wellness to Australians, especially as we navigate our way through a particularly isolating and uncertain time.

He added, “We are constantly seeking new services, fresh ideas, and partner practitioners to work alongside. Our utmost priority is the health and safety of our customers and practitioners. We urge Australians to stay home and to stay healthy and fit in both body and mind.” 

Blys has various services

“We already had a great response so far from our existing customers, particularly the business customers who are looking for ways to keep their Work From Home (WFH) staff physically and mentally fit.”

In an effort to combat the spread of virus, Blys encourages all valued clients and practitioners to remain at home in order to protect the wider community and has suspended all in-person massage bookings until further notice. 

Anyone looking for work as a personal trainer, yoga or pilates instructor, mental health professional, mindfulness teacher, or wellness expert, can get in touch with Blys directly at hello@getblys.com.au.

For all information on the telehealth service visit https://getblys.com.au/services/blys-telehealth/.

AFT Features, AFTNews, Daily Digest, Diet & Nutrition, Features Thai, Wellness

Chiva-Som now delivering wellness cuisine

Reinforcing its philosophy of inspiring daily physical and mental wellness lifestyle, a pioneer in transformative wellness, Chiva-Som is introducing the brand new ‘Wellness Delivery by Chiva-Som’. This service is available for Hua Hin residents, in which they can have healthy food and wellness products delivered straight to their homes.

Encouraging staying at home and also promoting your health and immune system, Chiva-Som’s latest delivery service is underpinned in the belief that a nutritious diet is the foundation of long-term health.

Chef Dan Bark (sixth left), Chef Sinchai Srivipa (fifth right) and Chiva-Som chef team in 2019

This is a unique culinary collaboration between Chiva-Som’s chef team and Michelin Star Chef Dan Bark, from Upstairs Mikkeller, Bangkok. Together, they have combined the Chiva-Som’s philosophy of nutritionally-rich wellness cuisine to support gut healing and immune system enhancement with Chef Dan’s signature cooking techniques and distinctive presentation, without compromising on delicious flavor.

The wellness cuisine menu features over 30 items that range from salads and soups to main courses, desserts, and drinks. Each item on this menu contains a number of health benefits with amazing flavor while remaining low in calories.

Items on the menu include:

Wellness Delivery by Chiva-Som drinks

·         Salad, Soup and Main Course – Natural Collagen Beef or Chicken Bone Broth, Symbiotic Yam Bean with Green Mango Salad, Massaman Osso Buco Curry, Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Prawn

·         Vegetarian Menu – Tofu Lasagne, Ginger Lentil Dahl and Fried Quinoa and Gaba Rice with Egg Whites

·         Desserts – Riceberry Pudding, Flourless Chocolate Parfait and Creamy Cashew Nut served with Calamarised Apple topped with Crumble

·         Healthy Shots – Immune Aid enhancing immunity and blood cleansing, Minty Green promoting digestive aid and lymphatic cleansing and Vit C Booster supporting antioxidant and the digestive system

The Wellness Delivery by Chiva-Som is currently available in the Hua Hin area, ordering from 10.00 to 18.00 each day.

To place an order or to make an enquiry, please contact the official line @chivasomdelivery or call us on 032 536 536.

AFTNews, Daily Digest

Apple and Google partner on COVID-19 contact tracing technology

Across the world, governments and health authorities are working together to find solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic, to protect people and get society back up and running. Software developers are contributing by crafting technical tools to help combat the virus and save lives. In this spirit of collaboration, Google and Apple are announcing a joint effort to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the virus, with user privacy and security central to the design.

Since COVID-19 can be transmitted through close proximity to affected individuals, public health officials have identified contact tracing as a valuable tool to help contain its spread. A number of leading public health authorities, universities, and NGOs around the world have been doing important work to develop opt-in contact tracing technology. To further this cause, Apple and Google will be launching a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing. Given the urgent need, the plan is to implement this solution in two steps while maintaining strong protections around user privacy.

First, in May, both companies will release APIs that enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices using apps from public health authorities. These official apps will be available for users to download via their respective app stores.

Second, in the coming months, Apple and Google will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into the underlying platforms. This is a more robust solution than an API and would allow more individuals to participate, if they choose to opt in, as well as enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities. Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, and we look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. We will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze.

All of us at Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate the return of everyday life.