An app that will alert you if you've been exposed to COVID-19 has now rolled out statewide.
Michigan reports 9,010 new coronavirus cases, 62 new deaths for Sunday and Monday
The MI COVID Alert app was born out of a partnership between Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.
“COVID cases and deaths are now rising fast,” said Robert Gordon, director of MDHHS, in a news release. “Using MI COVID Alert on your cell phone is a simple, safe step that everyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones. It’s free, it’s easy, and it protects your privacy.”
The app went through a pilot program on Michigan State's campus last month.
MI COVID Alert is voluntary and free. By submitting a non-identifying code provided by the public health department, app users with COVID-19 can confidentially alert others who may have also been exposed to the virus, the state said.
“This app has the potential to provide the kind of early exposure notification that is critical to preventing the spread of the virus,” said Michigan State University Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, Dr. Norman J. Beauchamp Jr, in a news release. “In addition to wearing a mask, social distancing and getting tested, downloading the app is one of the most important steps we can take to help keep our communities safe.”
If someone tests positive, they receive a pin from the local health department or state investigators that allows them to share results anonymously. Then, the app uses low-energy Bluetooth technology to detect nearby phones that have the app.
The state worked with Apple and Google to make it compatible with similar apps in other states.
You can check out the app here.
