Hasn't the tracing app triggered concerns about privacy protections and data security? Aren't there queries about how effectively the app works with Bluetooth?

The answers to these questions are, of course: yes and yes.

Certainly, there are legitimate questions about the COVIDSafe app. And we will continue to ask those questions, and to share the insights and opinions of experts, readers and, yes, even the likes of Barnaby Joyce - so you can make up your own mind.

But we are also determined to see things get back to normal, to get back to business, as swiftly - and as safely - as possible. That's why we reckon readers should download the COVIDSafe app.

Like you, we want the shutdown to end and social restrictions eased so workers can reclaim their livelihoods.

So, how do we get there - back to life before anyone had even heard of COVID-19? And how do we do that without putting frontline healthcare workers at risk?

The Prime Minister describes the COVIDSafe app as our "ticket" out of lockdown.

It is not, he says, a "silver bullet". But it will give governments confidence to ease social restrictions sooner and help the economy recover faster.

Sadly, we're all well aware of how infectious the virus is.

So, if we're going to start the long journey back to normal, we need to arm our health system with the tools to respond swiftly if and when the virus is detected. The app is one of those tools.

Some tech experts have pointed out COVIDSafe is nowhere near as powerful and intrusive as Facebook and Google. Even so, the collection, use or disclosure of the app's data for purposes unrelated to contact tracing will be a serious crime.

Given all that, and given the sacrifices we've already made to flatten the curve of infections and protect Australia's health, downloading an app to our phones seems like the least we can do.