COVID Alert reaches three million downloads
Editor’s Note: As we head into fall, it’s more important than ever for all of us to work together to help limit the spread of COVID-19. That’s why we’re pleased to share that COVID Alert, Canada’s free and voluntary exposure notification app, has now reached three million downloads.
As a reminder, the COVID Alert mobile app lets users know if they have been exposed to the virus and gives them advice on what to do next. Users who test positive for COVID-19 can notify the COVID Alert app of their result, so that the app can alert other app users that they have been exposed, without sharing any personal information.
Message from the Minister
“One of the app’s key strengths is its focus on user privacy. The app does not track or trace users, or collect users’ personal information, health information or location data. It was developed in direct consultation with Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner and the federal Office of the Privacy Commissioner — with both bodies endorsing the privacy measures employed by the app.”
- Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board, who is overseeing Ontario’s efforts to lead digital and data transformation for the people of Ontario, including oversight of the Ontario Digital Service.
If you haven’t already, please consider visiting the Apple App Store or the Google Play store to download COVID Alert today.
Protecting each other and our communities
Like hand washing and maintaining a safe distance apart, COVID Alert is another layer of protection — it could be the additional precaution that helps keep you and your loved ones safe.
What users are saying:
“A friend was alerted to a possible exposure due to the app. She went and got tested and was positive for Covid. NO symptoms. She would have been teaching in a classroom right now but is instead safely in quarantine. Get the app! — Tasleen Adatia on Twitter
“The COVID Alert App is the reason I got tested today. It pinged and said I’d had exposure in the past 14 days. I would not have known otherwise! Everyone should download it for sure” — Marium Nur Vahed on Twitter
“Crap. Looks like I’m having my third test for this thing first thing tomorrow. I’m feeling fine but this app — and acting on these alerts — is how we can help beat this thing. So get the app and put it on your phone!” — David Akin on Twitter
Get tested, with an app alert
Once you have the app installed on your phone, a notification of exposure from COVID Alert means that you qualify for a COVID test at an assessment centre, regardless of whether or not you are showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Preparing your health toolkit
The best defence against COVID-19 is still to follow all public health advice including practicing physical distancing, wearing face masks, and staying home when ill even with mild symptoms, to reduce the risk of transmission and help keep Ontarians safe.
Ontarians should consider getting a flu shot, as well.
Screening with self-assessment tools
Students and their parents or guardians can self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms prior to arriving at school each day by using Ontario’s COVID-19 school screening tool. The tool provides users with a recommendation of whether or not they should go to school, and information on how to proceed if advised not to go to school.
Those who are worried they might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms are encouraged to complete Ontario’s COVID-19 self-assessment before visiting an assessment centre. This tool provides each individual with a recommendation on what to do next based on their answers.
Where to get tested
Ontarians can seek testing at assessment centres if they are:
- Showing COVID-19 symptoms;
- Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by their public health unit or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app;
- A resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by their local public health unit;
- Eligible for testing as part of the targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care
Ontarians who are not showing symptoms and are eligible for testing as part of a targeted, new provincial initiative can seek testing for COVID-19 at select pharmacies.
Thank you for taking care of each other!
