A ‘lost opportunity’: Pa. and Del. are discontinuing their COVID-19 exposure apps – WHYY

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. What should we know about how you approach the world now? How has the pandemic changed your social life, your work life, your interactions with your neighbors? Get in touch here.

It may be time to delete another app on your phone.

Pennsylvania has discontinued its COVID-19 exposure app, and Delaware plans to discontinue its COVID exposure alerts in the coming months.

The Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey health departments launched their respective apps in 2020 as part of an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.

The apps use bluetooth technology to track whether one user has been in close proximity to another who reports a positive COVID-19 test to the app. Unlike traditional contact tracing, even strangers can be alerted about a possible exposure.

So, Im in the grocery store, Im positive. Youre in the grocery store, and you come in contact with me. We dont know each other. Theres nothing that can replace that, said Dr. Tracey Johnson, Delawares Director of Contact Tracing.

Unlike its neighboring states, New Jersey plans to continue operating its app, for now. However, Pennsylvanias and Delawares health departments say the app is no longer critical.

Every case in Delaware comes through our lab, and we are able to send them a text notification. We are able to do that, and say, Hey, youre positive, and we can give them the guidance right there, Johnson said. So, were actually taking on some of that role that we didnt have before, when we needed that app, and now we can do [ourselves].

She said the app will likely be discontinued in about two months.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health did not agree to an interview with WHYY News, but spokesperson Maggi Barton said in an email that the app is no longer necessary because more people are educated about COVID-19.

Now, more than ever, residents are familiar on what COVID-19 symptoms are, where to find a test (whether a PCR test or a test they take in the comfort of their home), and what those next steps are after testing positive like isolating and quarantining, she said. People using at-home tests are encouraged to notify the people they have come in contact with to notify them of potential exposure.

She said that contact tracing efforts continue without any further assistance from the app, and that the department has continued to adapt and build long-term supports and resources during the pandemic.

Originally posted here:

A 'lost opportunity': Pa. and Del. are discontinuing their COVID-19 exposure apps - WHYY