New App Will Alert People Possibly Exposed To Coronavirus

MICHIGAN — The state on Thursday launched a COVID-19 exposure notification app pilot program on Michigan State University's campus and for the surrounding community. The app aims to help reduce the spread of the virus following increased testing and additional contact tracing efforts in Michigan.

MI COVID Alert is a free smartphone app that allows users with COVID-19 to confidentially alert students, faculty, staff and others who may have also been exposed to the virus.

“MSU has an opportunity to lead the way for all of Michigan in using this easy-to-use app to avoid a second wave,” MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said. “While masking and social distancing remain as critical as ever, MI COVID Alert is another way to help the MSU and Ingham County community contain COVID while leading their lives.”

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MSU students, faculty and staff as well as members of the local community are encouraged to download and use MI COVID Alert as part of exposure notifications in the latest iOS or Android update, the state said in a news release.

“Preventing the spread of the virus is of utmost importance, and early detection efforts are essential in our overall approach to battling the virus,” Michigan State University President Samuel Stanley Jr. said. “By downloading the app, Spartans are sending a clear message that we are committed to being part of the solution.”

When a person tests positive for COVID-19, they receive a pin from the local health department or State of Michigan case investigators that allows them to share their test results anonymously on the app. MI COVID Alert uses low energy Bluetooth technology to detect nearby phones that also have the app, according to a news release.

If a MI COVID Alert user has been in close contact with someone who submitted a positive COVID-19 test result, a push notification will be sent to their phone once the positive test result is entered into the system. A notification means the app user was possibly within six feet for at least 15 minutes of someone who tested positive and shared their result.

The state said it will evaluate expansion of the app statewide based on results of the pilot program.

Other states, including Virginia, Arizona, New York, Alabama and New Jersey, recently launched similar exposure notifications apps statewide. Additional states have apps in development, the state said.