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Dear Colleague,
CDPH Releases CA Notify. With incidences of COVID-19 rapidly spiking in California, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), via CalHR, notified CAPS of a new phone app, CA Notify, that can help the public (and all state employees) stay safe amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The CalHR Notification states the following:
The free app can notify users of whether they’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus while allowing everyone to remain anonymous.
Californians can receive these notifications on their cell phones in one of two ways: Android phone owners can download the CA Notify app from the Google Play Store, and iPhone owners can enable CA Notify in their iPhone settings.
When CA Notify is activated, the tool uses Bluetooth technology to exchange random codes between phones without revealing the user’s identity or location. Any Californian who tests positive for COVID-19 will receive a verification code that can be entered in to the app, if they choose. Users who choose to input the verification code will trigger the app to give an anonymous notification of a possible exposure to any other CA Notify user who has been in close proximity to the user with a positive test result (within a space of 6 feet for 15 minutes or more). Conversely, with this app enabled, users will receive notifications of possible exposures from other CA Notify users who test positive/plug in their verification code, and have been in close proximity to them, all anonymously.
This tool was created with both public health and public trust in mind: it’s easy to use, voluntary, and it protects user’s privacy – no location data or personally identifiable information is ever collected, stored or transmitted.
For members with State phones, departments are allowing the app to be downloaded to State phones but are neither requiring nor discouraging it’s use.
CAPS would like to thank all our State Scientists for continuing to serve the public, and keep California running throughout this pandemic. We hope this new tool, and the upcoming vaccine, will help make COVID-19 a distant memory, soon.
Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on our communities and the world, all CAPS Alerts have been sent to all State Scientists in Unit 10, members and nonmembers alike. These regular communications are a privilege typically reserved for CAPS members. CAPS feels this information is too important not to share with nonmembers; however, we ask that you consider joining today. We are stronger together. Help us continue to advocate on behalf of all State Scientists.
Now is the time for unity and solidarity. Join CAPS to ensure your voice is heard. CHOOSE UNITY! CHOOSE STRENGTH! CHOOSE CAPS!