A statewide smartphone app — which sends an “exposure alert” you if you’ve been near someone who is COVID-19 positive — will be available within the next few weeks, according to officials with the State Department of Health.
The working title for the new app is the “Washington Exposure Notification.” Developed by Apple and Google, the app uses Bluetooth technology and software already installed in most iPhones to anonymously communicate with other phones using the same app. The same system is being used in 16 states, and more are expected to be in use within the next month.
When the app is active, it sends encrypted codes to other phones with the active app, and logs every contact for 14 days. If you spend time near someone using the app who later tests positive for COVID-19, the app will send a private alert with instructions on next steps, like testing and quarantining.
It also anonymously alerts other users you were in close contact with if you test positive for coronavirus, without sharing any of your personal information, or location.
A recent study indicated in Washington State, COVID-19 infection rates could be reduced by 8% and deaths by 6% if at least 15% of the population enabled the app.
Back in April, an app designed by the University of Washington and Microsoft called “COVID-Safe” was expected to be available by May.
At the time, the concept of the app was the virtually the same, except the app also kept a detailed log of location information.
The newer version of the app does not keep track of where you’ve been, to ensure user privacy.
According to a video released by Google to explain the technology, “Apps using this system cannot track your location, and this system does not share your identity with Apple, Google, or other users.”
Developers say the app only works if people trust it and use it, with the understanding it keeps the user completely anonymous from other users.
In August, a similar app went live in Nevada and health authorities strongly recommended all three million residents to download it.
But as of last week, only 17,000 Nevadans were using the app, which is just under 3% of the state’s population.
Governor Inslee is expected to announce the app’s availability in early December, and encourage all smart phone users in the state to download it, according to the Department of Health.
Cox Media Group
