SD Virus App

PIERRE, S.D. — Gov. Kristi Noem announced a new phone app that will help people track their travel during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We spent hours and hours with our team, at the Department of Health, going back and helping people remember where they’ve been that they could have people at risk for exposure of the virus,” said Gov. Noem. “This app will do all that and provide that history that will be incredibly important for us as a state to slow the spread of the virus.”

During Thursday’s press conference Noem introduced Care19. The device uses your location to track where you’ve visited, anonymously.

In her conference, Noem says it can help people, but also South Dakota Department of Health and health care providers, track the virus in the state. If a person tests positive, with permission, the data can be shared with Department of Health to identify those who may have come into contact with someone who has it. Identifying contacts is vital for flattening the curve. All information remains confidential, no personally identifiable information is used within the app.

“The number one thing is I need everyone to understand their role in this, this is a big personal responsibility issue,” Noem said. “Everyone has a role, and if you’re scared and worried about your health you have every opportunity in the world to stay home.”

Noem says she has been working with North Dakota’s governor, and administration, on this app.

This app is free to download on Google Play or Apple Store.

Noem also signed a bill today extending the State of Emergency declaration, from March 13th, until May 31st.