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Michigan is introducing a new coronavirus exposure notification mobile app as cases continue to surge in the state.
On Monday, November 9, several state departments announced the deployment of the free app that lets users know if they have recently been exposed to COVID-19. The app – MI COVID Alert – allows Michiganders to anonymously share their positive test results with people with whom they may have had close contact.
“This app has the potential to provide the type of early exposure notification that is critical to preventing the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Norman Beauchamp Jr., Michigan State University’s executive vice president for human sciences. health, in a press release.
“Besides wearing a mask, socializing and getting tested, downloading the app is one of the most important steps we can take to keep our communities safe.”
When an individual tests positive for COVID-19, they will receive a PIN code that is randomly generated by the state or their local health department, which allows them to share their test results anonymously through the app.
The app uses randomly generated phone codes and Bluetooth technology instead of GPS location to protect privacy while looking at possible close contacts with other phones with the app.
MI COVID Alert will send a push notification if someone you have had close contact with – meaning you were within 6 feet of them for at least 15 minutes – has entered a positive COVID-19 test result in its application.
A trial of the app by Michigan State University and Ingham County had 46,704 people – or about 16% of the county’s population – download MI COVID Alert. State officials said even 15% of Michiganders using the app could reduce infections and deaths.
Monday’s announcement comes as the state reported a total of 9,010 new cases and 62 new deaths over two days Sunday and Monday. Michigan recorded an average of 4,559 cases and 40 deaths per day over the past week.
The state is also seeing an increase in hospitalizations and positive test rates. On Monday, the MDHHS reported 2,826 hospital patients with known or suspected cases of COVID-19, and Sunday’s positive test rate was 11.7%.
While the tracing app is meant to help current efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, state officials say it’s not meant to replace wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly. , contact tracing and the practice of social distancing.
“COVID cases and deaths are now increasing rapidly,” Robert Gordon, director of the MDHHS, said in a prepared statement. “Using MI COVID Alert on your mobile phone is a safe and easy step anyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones. It’s free, it’s easy, and it protects your privacy. “
The MI COVID Alert app was announced by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. It is available for download from the Apple and Google app stores.
States with similar notification apps are Virginia, Arizona, New York, Alabama, and New Jersey. Michigan’s application must be compatible with others.
To find a testing site near you, check out the state’s online test finder, here, email [email protected] or call 888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Learn more about MLive:
Coronavirus Outbreaks Reported at 161 Michigan K-12 Schools and 31 Colleges in Nov. 9 Report
Explosion of coronavirus case prompts Saginaw health department to seek public help
Michigan lists 234 new coronavirus outbreaks and 512 ongoing clusters in November 9 report
More than 500 new cases of COVID-19 in Jackson County; Henry Ford Allegiance Health limits visitors
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