• MI Covid Alert is now available for download in the Google and Apple App stores.

INGHAM COUNTY - There’s an app for just about everything, and now Michigan State University students and residents of the surrounding community can now download an app to notify them if they have been exposed to COVID-19.

MI COVID-19 Alert is a free, anonymous exposure notification app. In the app, users that have tested positive for COVID-19 can use a non-identifying code that’s provided by the public health department, to alert any staff, students or others that may have been exposed to the virus.

“MSU has an opportunity to lead the way for all of Michigan in using this easy-to-use app to avoid a second wave,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director, Robert Gordon. “While masking and social distancing remain as critical as ever, MI COVID Alert is another way to help the MSU and Ingham County community contain COVID while leading their lives.”

When a person voluntarily enters a positive test result pin into the app, using Bluetooth technology, the app will notify other app users. If a user receives a notification, it means that they were possibly within 6 feet of the positive person for at least 15 minutes. The app is available for download in both the Google and Apples app stores.

“Preventing the spread of the virus is of utmost importance, and early detection efforts are essential in our overall approach to battling the virus,” said Michigan State University President Samuel Stanley. “By downloading the app, Spartans are sending a clear message that we are committed to being part of the solution.”

The new app is exclusive for the area because it’s part of a new pilot program that’s goal is to be the next step in reducing the spread of the coronavirus. The State of Michigan will be evaluating the expansion of the app based on the results of the pilot program.

States including Arizona, New York, Alabama, Virginia and New Jersey, all recently launched a similar COVID-19 exposure app statewide.