’SlowCOVIDNC’: You can now download NC’s new virus exposure app

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a COVID-19 Exposure Notification app called “SlowCOVIDNC.”

The app will alert North Carolinians when they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

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SlowCOVIDNC leverages Google and Apple’s Exposure Notification System (ENS), according to a release. It will alert users that have the app if they have been in close contact with someone who later tests positive for COVID-19.

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“The SlowCOVIDNC app builds on our ongoing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state. By proactively notifying app users of potential exposure to the virus, people can act quickly to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities,” said Sam Gibbs, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary of Technology and Operations.

The app is anonymous and does not collect, store or share personal information or location data, NCDHHS said.

“While we are encouraging widespread adoption, recent studies from Oxford University suggest that even low rates of adoption can have an impact on the spread of COVID-19,” health officials said in a statement.

The free app is available through the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

HOW IT WORKS:

Download the free SlowCOVIDNC Exposure Notification app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enable Bluetooth and Exposure Notifications. Bluetooth must be on for the app to work.
After opting-in to receive notifications, the app will generate an anonymous token for the device. A token is a string of random letters which changes every 10-20 minutes and is never linked to identity or location. This protects app user privacy and security.
Through Bluetooth, phones with the SlowCOVIDNC app work in the background (minimizing battery) to exchange these anonymous tokens every few minutes. Phones record how long they are near each other and the Bluetooth signal strength of their exchanges in order to estimate distance.
If an app user tests positive for COVID-19, the individual may obtain a unique PIN to submit in the app. This voluntary and anonymous reporting notifies others who have downloaded the app that they may have been in close contact with someone in the last 14 days who has tested positive.
PINs will be provided to app users who receive a positive COVID-19 test result by contacting the Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) call center, through a web-based portal, or by contacting their Local Health Department (LHD).
SlowCOVIDNC periodically downloads tokens from the server from the devices of users who have anonymously reported a positive test. Phones then use records of the signal strength and duration of exposures with those tokens to calculate risk and determine if an app user has met a threshold to receive an Exposure Notification.

Channel 9′s Tina Terry spoke to about a dozen people about the app on Friday. Most people had not heard of it and said they don’t plan to use it. Some were concerned about security.

“I think it’s a big invasion of privacy. I think it’s a lot to do about nothing," said Steve Cramer.

Health officials said about 65,000 people have downloaded the app in just a few days. Nearly 10.5 million people live in North Carolina.

“I think it will not make a big difference. 60-to-70% of people would have to use it,” said Rob Mercanson.

Officials also said the app does not track people’s actual location, only their contact with other app users. It also does not share people’s identity with Apple, Google or other users.

“I trust they’ve taken enough consideration to do it the right way," said Randy Franklin.