Contact tracing has opened up a lot of questions about anything from how it works to who will support the efforts to make sure it’s effective. While there are a considerable number of others which will arise, it’s important we address a few we’ve gotten leading up the app’s release.

How much does it cost to access the app?

The contact tracing app will be free for download for everyone on the App Store and Google Play. There’s no cost associated with using the app either. If you are notified you’ve come into contact with someone who’s tested positive for the virus, you will be encouraged to get a test for Covid-19.

 The Alabama Depart of Public Health created a map to show people where they can get tested (it’s the tab marked “1”) and Al.com has compiled a quick reference list for testing centers and info. 

Who should use the app?

Everyone and anyone in Alabama with access to a smartphone because it’s an important method to help the public health efforts of the virus.

We encourage individuals from across the state to download the app and keep it on their phone. Your privacy will be protected and it will take significant adoption in order to become a reliable tool in stopping the virus because it relies on people getting tested and updating whether they’ve contacted the virus. 

We also encourage businesses to ask their employees to download the app in order to keep their employees safe at their workplace.

What’s ahead? 

The app is expected to see release later this month, pending updates and last minute improvements. It’s expected there will be a second wave of the virus and so it’s important we release the app ahead of this and help everyone get prepared as much as possible. Contact tracing is most effective once the virus is manageable which is in between waves when hospitals and health respondents are seeing limited cases of the virus. 

It’s unclear what will happen to the Apple and Google Framework the app is built on after the pandemic, but it can easily be turned off in your settings. For more updates about the app and contact tracing, stay updated on our social media channels.

The app became available on August 17, 2020 – Download the app today on the App Store or Google Play and check out the official website.