How does it work, how to download

Michigan is expanding its COVID-19 exposure app for residents to use statewide after a successful pilot program in October.

The anonymous, free and voluntary app, tested in Ingham County and on the Michigan State University campus last month, lets users know if they’ve recently been exposed to COVID-19. Users can confidentially submit a positive test result in the app and alert other loved ones that they may also have been exposed to the virus.

“COVID cases and deaths are now increasing rapidly,” said Robert Gordon, director of the MDHHS. “Using MI COVID Alert on your mobile phone is a simple and safe step anyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones. It’s free, it’s easy, and it protects your privacy. “

Research from the University of Oxford has shown potential for reduced infections and deaths, even though only 15% of the population uses an exposure notification app like MI COVID Alert. In the first weeks of the MSU-Ingham County pilot, 46,704 people downloaded the app. That number equates to about 23% of Ingham County residents aged 18 to 64 and almost 16% of the total population of Ingham County.

“This app has the potential to provide the kind of early exposure notification that is critical to preventing the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., executive vice president of State University of Michigan for Health Sciences. “Besides wearing a mask, social distancing, and getting tested, downloading the app is one of the most important steps we can take to keep our communities safe. “

How it works

When a person tests positive for COVID-19, they are given a randomly generated PIN code by the local health department or state of Michigan case investigators that allows them to share their test results in a way anonymous on the app. MI COVID Alert uses randomly generated phone codes and low power Bluetooth technology instead of GPS location to protect privacy while looking back in time to determine close contact with other phones with the app .

If someone was in close contact with another person who submitted a positive COVID-19 test result, the close contact will receive a push notification once the positive test result enters the system. A notification means that the app user may have been within six feet for at least 15 minutes of a person who tested positive.

Michigan has worked with Apple and Google to make MI COVID Alert compatible with similar apps in other states. The app works in conjunction with traditional contact tracing, mask wear, hand washing and social distancing, but is does not replace these precautions or participation in contact tracing.

People exposed to COVID-19 should get tested and consider quarantine, including monitoring for symptoms for 14 days from the date of possible exposure. People in need of testing can visit the COVID-19 website to find a nearby testing location. They can also contact the Michigan COVID-19 hotline by calling 888-535-6136 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by dialing 2-1-1 on their cell phone to locate and schedule a meet nearby, off-campus testing location.

The exposure notification feature included in recent iOS and Android operating system updates only works with a companion app like MI COVID Alert. The app is available in Apple and Google app stores.

How to download:

Just search for “MI COVID Alert” in your app store and download it for free. Click here for more information on how to download.

Also see: 4 differences between Michigan’s first COVID peak and now