COVID-19 Alert App

The public is reminded that the Health Canada COVID Alert app is available to all Saskatchewan residents at no cost in the Apple and Google Play app store. The app is another tool available to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 by letting people know of possible exposures without sharing any personal information.

How it works: The app uses Bluetooth to exchange random codes with nearby phones (it runs in the background and will not interrupt your activities). Every day, it checks a list of random codes from people who tell the app they tested positive. If you’ve been near one of those codes in the past 14 days, you’ll get a notification. Use the app for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Your privacy is protected. The random codes change often and cannot be used to identify you. The app does not use GPS or track your location. It has no way of knowing your location, your name or address, your phone’s contacts, your health information or the health information of anyone near you. Nobody will get any information about you or the time you were near them.

The app does not: Replace manual contact tracing by local public health authorities or replace medical advice. If you get sick, contact HealthLine 811, your doctor or your nurse practitioner.

TThe COVID Alert app is just one part of the public health effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Continue to follow all public health guidelines, including physical distancing, wearing a mask, washing your hands, staying home when sick and getting tested.