Exposed people will be notified on their cell phones
NM Notify Exposure Notifications uses a cloud-based data system already in use in Colorado and Arizona to keep users informed of potential COVID-19 exposures.
Morgan Mitchell / Durango Herald
FARMINGTON – New Mexicans have a new way to learn after being exposed to COVID-19 in public facilities.
The New Mexico Department of Health launched the Exposure Notification System app, which warns users if they have been in close contact with anyone who has “confirmed they are infected with COVID-19”.
With this move, New Mexico joins other states including Colorado and Arizona that have used the software. The app can be used by iPhones or Androids. Users must navigate to the exposure notifications section in the app’s settings and enable the location. Once activated, users will receive a notification when the system detects that an infected person is nearby.
According to a press release released Tuesday by the New Mexico Department of Health, the app uses Bluetooth to “communicate with other phones” through the app.
“If one of the users confirms an infection with COVID-19, all users who had contact with the infected person within 14 days will receive a notification of possible exposure,” the message says. “The app then guides users to the next steps to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.”
The system is based on self-reported cases.
When someone tests positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the app sends a PIN number so the person can enter their status into the app. The app then searches its data to track other devices using the app to warn any users who have been in close contact with someone who recently tested positive.
“This PIN is used to verify your positive diagnosis and prevent false positives,” says the first web screen. “This PIN is not linked to your identity.”
The app generates a random PIN and does not contain any data about current locations or identifying information of users.
“This is a powerful tool in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. We strongly encourage the public to enable the NM Notify app on their iPhone or Android phone, ”said NMDOH Secretary Tracie Collins. “Combined with vaccinations, testing, and continued COVID-safe practices, this app will help us contain COVID-19 and protect New Mexicans.”
For more information on the NM Notify Exposure Notifications app, visit NMNotify.com.
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