Released on September 18, 2020
Starting today, the Health Canada COVID Alert app is available to Saskatchewan residents. Once downloaded to your smart phone, subscribers may participate in digital COVID-19 exposure alerts.
“As more activities head indoors, Saskatchewan residents should continue following public health guidelines to prevent COVID-19 transmission and protect friends and family,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said. “Wash your hands frequently, ensure you can name every contact in your virtual household, maintain physical distancing and wear a mask when you cannot. The COVID alert app is yet another tool residents have to stay safe during this pandemic.”
The national 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 about potential exposure risk without sharing any personal information.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 you will be provided a one-time key from public health upon notification of your status.
- Enter the key into the app and it will notify other app users who have been within two metres of you for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period within the last 14 days.
- Subscribers who receive this exposure alert can assess their risk and seek testing.
- All aspects of the app are completely voluntary.
The COVID Alert app does not collect personal information or health data, and does not know or track the location, name, address or contacts of any user.
The COVID Alert app does not replace contact investigations; if you do not have a smartphone or device that will support the app, you will still receive notification from public health officials if you have positive test results or are determined to be a close contact of a confirmed case. Case information for your area of the province is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.
The Health Canada COVID Alert app is available at no cost in the Apple and Google Play app store. For more information, visit www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html.
The app is another tool available to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. All Saskatchewan residents must continue to follow public health measures including:
- Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms, even mild ones;
- Wash your hands frequently;
- Maintain physical distancing of two metres;
- Disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects regularly; and
- Wearing a non-medical mask when you cannot maintain physical distancing or required by the guidelines for your workplace or school.
COVID-19 Information
Go to www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19 for information on testing, public safety alerts, plans for back to school and Re-Opening Saskatchewan and the latest Saskatchewan case surveillance information.
General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Colleen Book
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca