MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services launched its latest tool to help fight COVID-19, the WI Exposure Notification System. Some Wisconsinites received a push alert Wednesday morning informing them of the new system.
Amit Sherma says he received his alert around 7:30 a.m. He said he immediately changed his iPhone settings to turn on the system.
“I turned it on. I think it's a good way to use technology,” said Amit.
However, some people like Kelly Paneaud did not receive the alert. Kelly says she thinks using technology to keep people informed is a good thing.
“Anything that can help to let people know if they have been in close contact with it would be game for me,” said Kelly.
The notification system uses Bluetooth technology to let you know if you have come in close contact for more than 15 minutes with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If a person does test positive, they are given a code and can voluntarily and anonymously let others know through the app. The notification will then inform other uses of the date of exposure and instructions on what to do next.
The system and app were created by Google and Apple. Although some think it’s a good idea, others have expressed concerns about privacy. According to DHS, the app does not collect personal information, name, contact information, or track locations.
For step-by-step instructions on how to enable the notifications or download the app click here.
