AlohaSafe Alert, a smartphone app that anonymously alerts people if they’ve been near a COVID-19 victim,  is now available to Hawaiʻi County residents.   The app is intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by using smartphones to notify users of exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.  It is available for free on both Apple and Android devices.

The app does not track your location. It anonymously keeps track of devices you’ve been in close contact with for the past 14 days. Google and Apple cannot see your identity, nor can anyone who receives an exposure alert should you test positive for COVID-19.

Users who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a text message to their phone that will allow them to make their device detectable and alert other users of their exposure. The application is voluntary and protects the privacy of individuals, meaning that no personal data ever leaves the phone – unless the owner chooses to share the information with the Department of Health.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be contacted by a Hawaii State Department of Health contact tracer. During your interview, let them know you have AlohaSafe Alert. You will receive a verification code to anonymously notify others who have been near you about a possible COVID-19 exposure.  For an exposure notification to be triggered, devices you were close to in the past 14 days must meet a minimum threshold of exposure, which is a distance of 6 feet or less for at least 15 minutes.

The user can opt in or out of notifications at any time.

Currently, there are 17 other states and 19 other countries  using this technology to track exposure to COVID-19 in order to slow the spread of the virus. Studies from Oxford University show that for every two people that opt-in to use the app, one infection can be avoided.

Initial studies by behavioral psychologists, working with the Oxford University team,  suggest that 73.6% of users would be likely to install a contact tracing app for coronavirus in the UK, and between 67.5% – 85.5% in France, Germany, Italy and the USA.

“We are excited to announce this community led innovation that harnesses technology to help privately track exposure to the virus”, said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth. “We understand that this app will not reach everyone, however, it’s an additional tool that will speed up the contact notification process and puts the health and safety of our community right at our finger tips.  Doing all we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 is our kuleana, which I why I encourage us all to download the app today and help to make our county a healthier and safer place for everyone.”

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) partnered with the aio Foundation, and the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative (HEC) to have the app developed.

“We’re thankful for the partnership and support from Mayor Roth and Hawai‘i Island leaders. Adoption of the app by residents will be key to maximizing the potential of AlohaSafe Alert,” said Lynelle Marble, executive director of Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative, the nonprofit organization helping to lead community adoption of the app across the state.

To download the app, go to www.alohasafealert.org/

Hawaiʻi County residents are still expected to adhere to the social distancing and other safety measures outlined by the State and County to prevent the spread of COVID-19.