Connecticut has a phone app to help with contact tracing for COVID-19 infections in the state. Go to Google Play or enable the app in Apple settings.
The app uses location technology in your phone and all the phones around you to build a web of phones you’ve been near. Then, if someone with the app tests positive, they can notify others by clicking on “positive” in the app. That will send out an alert through the technology that determines what phones were within six feet the phone of the positive person for 15 minutes or more.
It’s all anonymous. The state isn’t tracking your movements, and you’ll never know who tested positive if you get an alert. An alert will simply mean you should contact your health provider about getting tested.
This is what it looks like in the Google Play store and the two app screens you’ll see on your phone.
I have not been out in the world since March of 2020 except for medical appointments. Fortunately, my husband can do all the shopping and errands. I have added peace of mind knowing this app is on his phone. But it’s only as useful as the number of people who activate it on their phones. Now I am on a mission to tell everyone I know about the app and get them to set it up. Join me!!
Here are the instructions to set up the app on your device. If you want to know more about the technology, Google has provided a video that explains how it works.
Remember
- Your privacy is always protected
- Your location is never tracked
- It is voluntary and anonymous