On December 1, the Washington Department of Health launched a COVID-19 exposure notification tool called WA Notify.
WA Notify is a simple, anonymous notification tool to help alert users if they have spent time near another WA Notify user who later tests positive
for COVID-19. Here’s how it works:
- When two people have the app installed on their smartphones and are near each other, their phones exchange random codes using Bluetooth.
- The shared code is anonymous and contains no location tracking or personal information.
- The app is designed to work in other states that use similar notification tools.
AWC asks that cities help spread the word about WA Notify. The Department of Health launched a website with instructions on activating the notification
tool, an explainer video, and frequently asked questions. The website and video are available in several languages.
The more people who use the exposure notification tool, the greater the benefit for all communities. Just like wearing masks, physical distancing, and keeping gatherings small, WA Notify is another tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.