COVID Alert Contact Tracing App is now Available in Ontario

Friday, 31 July 2020 13:21

Premier Doug Ford is encouraging everyone to download the COVID Alert app. He is also pleading with people to continue to follow the COVID-19 guidelines this long weekend and points to the 4th of July in the US as an example of what not to do.

ONTARIO - The new COVID Alert contact tracing app is available for download today in the Province of Ontario.

The app was developed by Shopify and it will notify you when you have come into close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Premier Doug Ford says the app will not be collecting your data.

"This important, made-in-Ontario COVID Alert app will be a critical part of our case and contact management strategy as more regions in Ontario enter Stage 3 today. This innovative tool was developed by some of the best and brightest minds in our province, working in partnership with Ottawa. As businesses open their doors and schools prepare for September, we need to help stop the spread and keep others safe by downloading this COVID Alert app."

The more people who use this app, the more effective it will be. The 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 without sharing any personal information. Ontarians who receive an exposure alert can then get tested and take action to help keep themselves, their families, and their friends from spreading COVID-19 throughout the community. The app does not collect personal information or health data, and does not know or track the location, name, address, or contacts of any user.

COVID Alert is available for free use and download from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

Premier Ford is urging everyone to use caution as we get set to enter the long weekend.

"My friends, we have seen what happens if we don't listen to the advice of health professionals. A month ago, our neighbours in the US were heading into the July 4th long weekend. The numbers were down, schools were set to open 4 to 6 weeks, bars and restaurants were reopening. That long weekend people went to beaches, parties, acting like COVID-19 was over. You just have to look at what has happened since then and how devastating it has been."

Ford says we don't have to go down that road. Encourages everyone to continue to follow the guidelines, maintain physical distance, wash your hands and download this app. He says it could be the difference between keeping our businesses open and having our kids head back to school in September.

You can listen to the Premiers comments from this morning below: