COVID Alert
COVID Alert is now retired
You can delete the app. Thank you for doing your part to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
On this page
- Deleting the app
- Protecting your privacy
- COVID Alert by the numbers
- A public health tool
- The app built in the open
- Follow us on Twitter
- Contact us
Deleting the app
You can delete the app. COVID Alert is no longer active or maintained.
Deleting the app from your iOS device:
- Touch and hold the app icon.
- Tap “Remove App”.
- Tap “Delete App”, then tap “Delete” to confirm.
Deleting the app from your Android device
- Press and hold the app icon.
- Your phone will vibrate once, granting you access to move the app around the screen.
- Drag the app to the top of the screen where it says "Uninstall."
- Once it turns red, remove your finger from the app to delete it.
Protecting your privacy
Protecting your personal information is a priority of the Government of Canada. The COVID-19 Alert app never collected any information that could identify you personally.
All data will be deleted, other than aggregated performance metrics, which cannot be linked to a person.
Privacy remained at the forefront of COVID Alert’s design with strong privacy protection.
For more information, please visit the COVID Alert Privacy Notice or the Privacy Assessment pages.
COVID Alert by the numbers
Since the app was launched, users entered 63,117 one-time keys into the app. COVID Alert has sent 456,349 notifications. These notifications alerted users to possible exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and entered their one-time key into the app. This prompted thousands of users to take action to help slow the spread of COVID-19. From April 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022, COVID Alert identified at least 2,446 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
For more information, please visit the performance metrics page.
A public health tool
COVID Alert was one of the public health tools available to help limit the spread of COVID-19. It was not intended to replace manual contact tracing, but rather to be used as a tool to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The app was designed to notify users who had been in close contact with another user who tested positive for COVID-19 and reported it through the app. Thus, the app had the potential to reach more people and do so faster than through manual contact tracing.
Users who tested positive for COVID-19 with a PCR test obtained a one-time key (OTK) from provincial and territorial public health authorities. They then entered their OTK into the app to trigger notifications.
Continue to follow public health measures to protect yourself
- keep your COVID-19 vaccinations up to date
- follow local public health guidelines
- remain aware of disease activity in your area
- continue to take personal preventive practices
The app built in the open
Learn how COVID Alert worked by viewing the source code. Also, find out who advised us on meeting the highest standards in public health outcomes, technology and privacy.
- COVID Alert advisory council
- COVID Alert open source repository
- COVID Alert open source server repository
- COVID Alert portal repository
Follow us on Twitter
Follow Health Canada on Twitter for updates about COVID-19:
- Health Canada: https://twitter.com/GovCanHealth
Contact us
Phone: 1-833-784-4397
- Hours of operation are from 7 am to midnight ET
- We can provide service in more than 200 languages
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-465-7735
- Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm ET
Email: hc.AlerteCOVIDAlert.sc@canada.ca
Related Links
Page details
- Date modified: