News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The exposure notification app COVID Alert is now available in New Brunswick.

“We all need to continue doing our part to keep our loved ones healthy and safe,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “This is an additional tool to help limit the spread of COVID-19.”

The app is available for free download through the Apple or Google Play app stores. COVID Alert is built with strong privacy protection and uses the Google and Apple Exposure Notification technology.

“COVID Alert is a secure, reliable and user-friendly app and it is an additional tool to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health.

Using the app is voluntary. The app does not use GPS or track a user’s particular geographic location. It does not share a person’s name, address or telephone contacts and does not collect or store any personal health information.

If a New Brunswicker chooses to download the app and then tests positive for COVID-19, they will have the opportunity to receive a one-time key from Public Health that they can enter into the app. After the key is entered, within the following day, COVID Alert will anonymously notify other users who may have come into close contact with that person. The app will direct users on next steps based upon public health advice.

New Brunswickers who use the app are reminded that it does not lessen the importance of measures such as physical distancing, regular handwashing, proper respiratory etiquette or wearing a face mask in public indoor spaces.