Colorado to become first state to deploy phone app for COVID-19 tracing

DENVER (KRDO) -- Governor Jared Polis announced Tuesday that Colorado would become the first state in the nation to deploy a phone app that would help track COVID-19 cases.

The State of Colorado is partnering with Google and Apple to develop "Exposure Notification Express," an app that notifies users if they have possibly been exposed to coronavirus. The app is expected to become available later this month.

Polis said users will be notified if they may have been exposed to COVID-19 from another person also using the app. Users will also be given more information on testing and quarantine. The technology will not track your location, according to the governor.

"It'll provide a way where you'll know if you were exposed to COVID while maintaining your privacy and data," Polis said.

Health officials say the app will be completely optional, meaning users have to opt in to receive notifications.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.