Canada’s COVID-19 exposure notification app now available in Quebec

(AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE))

OTTAWA — On Oct. 5, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec confirmed that people in Quebec can now receive one-time keys from their health authorities to use with COVID Alert, Canada’s COVID-19 exposure notification app.

“The COVID Alert app is a tool that Quebeckers can use to help protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities from COVID-19,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a prepared statement. “As more people use it, we can slow the spread of the virus and help prevent future waves. We will continue to work with other provinces and territories to bring their health authorities on board so as many Canadians as possible can benefit from the app.”

The COVID Alert app is free and voluntary, and is another tool to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Users who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a one-time key from their health authority that they can enter into the app. When the key is entered, COVID Alert will notify other users who may have come in close contact with that person for at least 15 minutes, and direct them on next steps based on their provincial public health advice.

To safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of all Canadians, the app uses strong measures to protect any data it collects, and does not track a user’s location or collect personally identifiable information.