Only 80,000 users have downloaded AlohaSafe Alert, about half the amount developers say is needed to be effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
AlohaSafe Alert is an app developed to help slow down the spread of COVID-19. It is the State of Hawaii’s official exposure notification app and has been developed in partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Health.
Developers of the AlohaSafe Alert say a minimum of 150,000 cell phone users in Hawaii need to use the exposure notification system to start markedly reducing the spread of COVID-19. But so far, only 80,000 users have downloaded the app onto a device since it was launched in November.
The University of Hawaiʻi encourages students and employees to utilize the app. Once added to a smartphone, AlohaSafe Alert will send a notification within 48 hours when an app user comes into close contact—within six feet for at least 15 minutes—with an individual, who is also using the app and has tested positive for the virus in the past 14 days.
The goal is to speed up the discovery of close contacts of people who have COVID-19 so that they can self-isolate and monitor for symptoms. However, it’s a voluntary service and is only as powerful as its adoption.
Visit AlohaSafe Alert for more information.
