HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) — Governor Tom Wolf announced on Wednesday that over 500,000 Pennsylvanians have already downloaded the COVID-19 Alert app.
The app is intended to keep the commonwealth's residents informed about their status in regard to each other with COVID-19 spreading.
By using the app, you can receive notifications if you come into close contact with someone who eventually tests positive for Covid.
It also allows for people to anonymously share that they've tested positive themselves.
"If you test positive for COVID-19, we encourage you to download the app and enter the random six-digit code given to you by a case investigator," Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.
"This will allow people you encountered who have the app to know that they have been exposed to COVID-19. They can then take important steps to protect themselves and others like getting tested or quarantining."
The app has features that allows you to check in if you have symptoms and provides the newest public health data.
The app can be downloaded for free on Google Play Store and the Apple App Store under "covid alert pa."
"Thank you to the more than half-a-million Pennsylvanians who have united together to stop the spread of COVID-19 by downloading the COVID Alert PA app," Governor Wolf said.
"The app, along with our other mitigation efforts, including mask-wearing, social distancing, hand washing and avoiding gatherings, all contribute to stopping the spread of this deadly virus. It's time for everyone to do their part, mask up, download the app and stay safe."
Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided some stats on the usage the COVID-19 Alert app:
1. There have been 506,180 downloads onto smartphone devices.
2. There are an average of 37,297 COVID Check-Ins for symptoms per day.
3. Around 95 percent of app users reported "feeling good" during their COVID Check-In per day.
4. There were 268 positive cases who confirmed their positivity through the app, which generated 91 close-contact exposure alerts.
5. Of those who received an exposure alert, 14 requested a call-back to speak with a trained contact tracer for further support.
The app maintains the user's privacy; GPS and locations are not used, stored or collected when the app is utilized.
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