California expands access of CA Notify app based on Apple/Google exposure notification

The state of California has expanded access of its CA Notify app to all in the state, after originally deploying the app in a pilot program at UC Berkeley in November, which later expanded to other UC campuses. 

he statewide launch of the app, announced by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday, means that the tool based on Apple and Google’s exposure notification API [application programming interface] will be available for download and opt-in use to anyone with a compatible iPhone or Android device as of this Thursday, December 10, reports TechCrunch.

In April Apple and Google announced a joint effort to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of COVID-19 via the use of Bluetooth technology. The companies’ solution includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing. Software developers contribute by crafting technical tools to help combat the virus and save lives.