A new smartphone app will help alert Californians if they have been in contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the rollout of the app on Monday, December 7.
The state has partnered with Google and Apple to launch the exposure notification app.
In a follow-up tweet, Newsom wrote, "Grateful for the partnership of [Sundar Pichai] @sundarpichai and [Tim Cook] @tim_cook in harnessing the innovation of CA to launch this new tool to help slow the spread of #COVID19 during this pivotal time."
The app will allow users to opt into getting notifications if you have been exposed to the virus.
Sixteen other states have already made the app available this month.
The feature will be ready for use starting this Thursday, December 10.
The app uses Bluetooth wireless signals to detect when two phones are within six feet of each other for at least 15 minutes.
The tool does not track people's identities or locations, according to officials.
"The process is private, anonymous and secure, and is one of the many tools in the state's data-driven approach to help reduce the spread," said Newsom in a statement.
The news of this new resource comes just after several California regions have moved into a new stay-at-home order triggered by falling below 15% remaining ICU capacity.
These regions include Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley.
The Bay Area region has not dropped in ICU capacity but has voluntarily enforced the stay-at-home order.
Although the Greater Sacramento region has not fallen below the 15%, experts expect the area will join the other regions within the end of the week.
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