COVID Alert PA app, the state’s newest initiative in combating coronavirus, uses contact tracing to notify Pennsylvanians if they have been exposed to COVID-19, write Ellie Rushing and Oona Goodin-Smith for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The app is available for Android and iOS.

The launch of the app was announced on Tuesday by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Rachel Levine who were accompanied by Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley.

The app uses Bluetooth technology to notify the user when they have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. It detects when the two users have been six feet or less of each other for 15 minutes or more, although both phones need to have the app installed. The identities of all users are shielded from each other.

An app user will also be notified if they come in contact with someone who later tests positive for the virus and will be given the opportunity to talk with a public health representative.

The app’s code is available online in its entirety to increase transparency.

Read more about COVID Alert PA at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.

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