COVID Alert is now available in Newfoundland and Labrador to download free through the Apple or Google Play app stores.
Newfoundland and Labrador is the second province to launch the app, which will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Other provinces and territories are expected to follow in the coming weeks and months.
The Provincial Government has been working in close partnership with the Government of Canada to launch COVID Alert.
It has also consulted with the Information and Privacy Commissioner to ensure that highest standards of privacy are in place for those people who choose to use the app.
The use of COVID Alert is completely voluntary.
The app does not use GPS or track a users particular geographic location. It does not share a person’s name, address, or telephone contacts. The app does not collect or store any personal health information.
If a person chooses to download the app and tests positive for COVID-19, they will receive a one-time key from Public Health. When the key is entered into the app, COVID Alert notifies other app users who may have come in close contact with that person in the last 14 days.
Those users will be asked to contact Public Health for advice and further guidance.
People who use the app are reminded that they should continue to follow current public health measures.
Using COVID Alert does not lessen the importance of measures such as physical distancing, regular hand washing, proper respiratory etiquette or wearing a non-medical mask in indoor public spaces.