Miami-Dade County launches CombatCOVID MDC app to build community health

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, Miami-Dade County formally launched its new contact-tracing app called “CombatCOVID MDC.”

Available in English, Creole and Spanish, this new app will help keep the County’s community healthy while also building trust so that local businesses can continue to re-open. Palm Beach County is also using the same app, and Broward is considering implementing it, so there will be synergy throughout South Florida.

This secure app requires no personal information. And no GPS or location data is tracked. All information is encrypted to meet maximum security protocols.

“The CombatCOVID MDC app will help us keep improving health in the region so people can get back to work and businesses can continue to recover,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “The great thing about this CombatCOVID MDC app is that it has been designed in a way to ensure that people will have absolutely no reason to fear that big government is tracking your every move. It’s really all about protecting individual health and privacy.”

The app incorporates Bluetooth connections to anonymously notify users if they have been near another person who has downloaded the app and has self-reported being positive for COVID-19.

If the app indicated potential exposure, users are urged to isolate and get tested immediately, because even people who feel fine can spread the virus to loved ones and those at high risk of getting severely ill.

If a user does test positive, the app discretely alerts others to get tested without ever disclosing the identity of the app user.

The free CombatCOVID MDC app can be downloaded from the Apple Store for iPhone use, and the Google Store for androids.

It operates in the cellphone’s background, so users just need to be sure that they do not swipe it off when closing other applications. It needs to remain open in the background to continue working.

This app complements contact tracing conducted by the Florida Department of Health, whose contact tracers are reaching out by phone to those who test positive in order to help them protect others from exposure.

“Contact tracers play a vital role in helping us reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our County,” Gimenez said. “So please do not hang up if you get a call from the Health Department. They are here to assist us in a confidential way.”

In addition to the new CombatCOVID MDC app, Miami-Dade has deployed eight new Sprinter Vesting Vans throughout the County, with four more on the way.

The County's Sprinter Testing Vans will be focusing on under-served areas, making stops at supermarkets, Metrorail stations, public parks, sports venues, and even Zoo Miami. Quickly and easily setting up shop in parking lots, each van will test up to 250 people per day.

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