PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Governor Jay Inslee introduced Washington state’s newest tool in the fight against coronavirus during a press conference on Monday afternoon.
WA Notify can be added to residents’ smartphones, who will then be alerted if they spent time near another user who later tests positive for COVID-19.
“It’s particularly innovative because it will alert people without ever having to share personal information,” Inslee said.
He said it is a “simple, anonymous exposure notification tool” which will help curb the rising number of infections. WA Notify uses technology developed by Google and Apple that works without collecting or revealing any location or personal data.
“Secure, private and anonymous exposure notification technology is an important tool for Washington,” Inslee said. “We’ve deployed WA Notify in 29 languages so as many Washington residents as possible can protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities. I encourage everyone to start using WA Notify today so we can continue to work together to contain this virus.”
Washington joins several other states in using this tool, including Virginia, New York and Colorado. Countries such as Ireland, Canada and Germany are successfully using the technology, as well.
Several days ago, Inslee said nearly all counties in Washington state are experiencing a virus surge.
“We essentially in the same area as they were in March,” Inslee said during a press conference on Tuesday.
“This is why we have deliberately established targeted restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the pandemic and we are hopeful they will work.”
Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus
