The State of California has launched CA Notify, a free and secure digital tool that can anonymously alert users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

The state launched the system as a way to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The way CA Notify works is by exchanging anonymous keys via Bluetooth between people who were within six feet of each other for 15 minutes or more.

Those who have the CA Notify app can report their own positive COVID-19 test results, and an automated test message with a exposure alert will be sent to those whose phones were reported to be near the positive exposure.

Those exposed will be directed to a website for information on quarantining and testing.

CA Notify does not collect the user’s name, contact information, location or movement, or identify of people you meet.

CA Notify is available on the Google Play Store on Android devices and is available on as a setting on iOS devices. You can find more information at www.canotify.ca.gov.