HALIFAX: Nova Scotians will be able to receive COVID-19 exposure alerts directly to their smartphones when using Health Canada’s free COVID Alert App.
“As a province we have all shown a steadfast commitment to flattening the curve and keeping COVID activity low,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “As we learn to live with the virus, COVID Alert is another tool that will help keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.”
COVID Alert can be downloaded through the Apple or Google Play app stores. When installed, the app communicates using Bluetooth with nearby phones which also have the app installed.
An app user who tests positive for COVID-19, is given a unique code by the Nova Scotia Health Authority to input into COVID Alert.
If any other user with the app, whose phone was within two metres/six feet for at least 15 minutes of the infected person’s phone, will be notified that they may have been exposed to COVID 19.
The app will give the user guidance like monitor for symptoms, take the online self-assessment if they begin to feel unwell, and more information about what to do next.
COVID Alert does not collect personal or health information and does not know or track the location, name, or contacts of any user.
“I would encourage Nova Scotians who are able, to download and use COVID Alert as one measure to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our province,” said Dr. Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Nova Scotians are reminded that they should continue to follow all public health measures in place, regardless if they use the COVID Alert app.”
Quick Facts:
— as of Oct. 15, more than four million Canadians have downloaded COVID Alert
Additional Resources:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): download COVID Alert: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/covid-alert-app/
How the COVID Alert app works: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/video/covid-alert.html
