There have been nearly 500,000 downloads of the state’s COVID-19 alert app since it was launched statewide about a month ago. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Bob Wheaton told us when the app was rolled out MI COVID Alert will tell you if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID. When someone tests positive and has the app installed, they can get a randomly generated PIN that alerts those who’ve been in close contact with them recently.
“We’re emphasizing it’s totally anonymous,” Wheaton said. “Your name or information is not going to anyone. It’s going to us, it’s not going to the local health department, it’s not going to people who are notified. It’s going to be totally anonymous, and it’s not going on your phone unless you choose to download it.”
The state tested out the app in just Ingham County earlier this year, and then rolled it out for everyone last month. There have been 461,000 installs of the app. Wheaton says research has shown that if just 15% of the population were to use it, infections could be reduced.
