I would think that's a pretty fair assessment. The problem is that when you start to consider the variability, you start to question the usefulness. I can't even think of the last time I spent 15+ minutes in a queue with a stranger. Lost baggage at Sydney airport perhaps? I've spent a fair time there but the situation ebbs and flows. Not sure of a solid fifteen minutes? Plane flights obviously, but we're all locked into our seats and traceable. Free choice seating on public transport would have to be a big one, but in that instance, you'd hope it reached out more than 1.5m. 60 minutes on a bus would affect more than the immediate seats!Its not claimed the app will detect 1.5m as such. The strength of the bluetooth signal will be a proxy for proximity. For instance, someone above or below you in an apartment block, or 4+ metres away 'should'have its signal degraded enough for it not to be a 'detection'. A stranger standing right behind you in a check-out queue for 10-15 mins certainly will be 'pinged'.
And with a hoped-for 40% uptake rate, its certainly not being seen as a 'panacea'. When its implemented, regular manual tracing will still occur, but ANY way to get some quicker detection will be a help, especially when the 'proximity' is to someone you don't know (and therefore untraceable by the usual methods). As you say, a nice supplement.
Hmm, I think I've pursued my point full circle. Good stick, poor crutch!
