The Health Canada COVID Alert app became available to Saskatchewan residents on Sept 18. Once downloaded to smart phones, subscribers can participate in digital COVID-19 exposure alerts.听
鈥淎s more activities head indoors, Saskatchewan residents should continue following public health guidelines to prevent COVID-19 transmission and protect friends and family,鈥� Health Minister Jim Reiter said.听
鈥淲ash your hands frequently, ensure you can name every contact in your virtual household, maintain physical distancing and wear a mask when you cannot. The COVID alert app is yet another tool residents have to stay safe during this pandemic,鈥� Reiter added.听
The national COVID Alert app uses Bluetooth technology to detect when users are near each other. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can choose to let other users know about potential exposure risks without sharing personal information.
If users test positive for COVID-19, they will be provided a one-time key from public health upon notification of their status.
Enter the key into the app to notify other app users who have been within two metres of them for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period within the last 14 days.
Subscribers who receive this exposure alert can assess their risk and seek testing.
All aspects of the app are voluntary.
The COVID Alert app doesn鈥檛 collect personal information or health data, nor tracks locations, names, addresses or the contacts of users.听
Furthermore, the COVID Alert app doesn鈥檛 replace contact investigations; if users don鈥檛 have smartphones or devices to support the app, they will still receive notifications from public health officials if they have positive test results or are determined to be in close contact with confirmed cases.听
Case information for each area of Saskatchewan is available .听
The Health Canada COVID Alert app is available at no cost in the Apple and Google Play .听
