Pennsylvanians Urged to Support Contact Tracing

November 30, 2020

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging residents across the commonwealth to download the “COVID Alert PA” app to aid in contact tracing efforts.

During a conference call with reporters today, Rachel Levine, MD, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health, said the state has reached “a concerning milestone,” with more than 4,400 COVID-19 hospitalizations. The positivity rate has climbed to nearly 12 percent, as well.

Secretary Levine urged residents to aid the state’s contract efforts through the COVID Alert PA app. Launched during September, the confidential app uses Bluetooth technology to let residents know that they have been exposed to the virus. Its key features include:

• A COVID-19 symptom check-in
• Alerts for potential exposures to the virus
• Up to date state and county data
• The latest public health information from DOH

Secretary Levine said the coming months will represent the toughest challenge before potential COVID-19 vaccines are ready for distribution. Pending government approval approval, vaccine immunization could begin as early as late spring or summer, she said.

 “We all need to stand united,” Secretary Levine said. “We need to stay home and prevent the spread of this virus.”

HAP continues to monitor the spread of the virus and urges the general public to take the proper precautions during the holiday season. Last week, more than 400 clinical leaders from Pennsylvania’s hospitals and health systems signed a call to action urging residents to:

• Follow public health precautions: wear a mask, stay at least six feet apart, avoid crowds, and frequently wash your hands
• Talk with their doctor or provider if they believe they are ill or think they may have been exposed to COVID-19, and follow the advice to isolate or quarantine
• Get the flu shot
• Skip travel and limit holiday gatherings to their household

For more information, contact Laura Stevens Kent, HAP’s senior vice president, strategic integration, or Rachel Moore, HAP’s director, media relations.