The underlying framework the app is built on is only available on Apple and Android phones 'released with the past 5 years,' according to the Canadian Digital Service.

Also on Friday, federal officials released a new app they say could aid in the fight against the spread of the virus.

The federal government on Friday launched its delayed coronavirus exposure notification app in Ontario.

The Canadian Digital Service, the federal agency leading the national contact-tracing app's development, announced late Tuesday that the app is now in beta testing.

'We are committed to building and launching a well-designed, user-tested application that is secure, reliable and easy to use,' the federal health minister's office said.

As restrictions loosen around the world and travel cautiously increases, there could be 'blind spots' in how we trace potential cases across borders, one expert said.

The app, named COVID Alert, is expected to launch July 2 and will supplement the province's contact tracing strategy.