How To Use The COVID-19 Exposure Notifications Feature In iOS 13.5

Apple has just released iOS 13.5, a major health update for iPhone and iPad. This third test version includes the announced COVID-19 Exposure Notifications function that will help smartphone users to get notified whenever they are in the proximity of a person that tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. The feature comes under the form of an API that can be integrated in third-party apps created by health authorities from all around the world.

Apple claims that this new iPhone functionality emphasizes on privacy and that the API won’t share any personal info or location data to the apps created by your public health authority. The COVID-19 Exposure Notifications are enabled by default as soon as your iPhone is updated to iOS 13.5. Apple has also thought about those users that are overcautious when it comes to privacy and that might want to opt out. Read on to find out more!

How To Use COVID-19 Exposure Notifications
1. Update your iPhone to iOS 13.5. The feature is enabled by default as soon as you update!
2. Download a a third-party app launch by your country’s public health organization.
3. Open the app and provide your COVID-19 status (positive or negative).
4. Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your device.

Why To Use COVID-19 Exposure Notifications
The COVID-19 pandemic is testing our solidarity more than ever. The outbreak can be discouraged by avoiding closed contact with infected people. The problem is that the large majority of the infested population is asymptomatic, which makes it difficult to figure out if someone is carrying the disease or not. The COVID-19 Exposure Notifications system is efficient if it’s used by the large majority. The feature allows nearby smartphones to to interact with each other through random identifier beacons and Bluetooth connectivity. The more people have the service enabled the more efficient the prevention will be!

How To Disable COVID-19 Exposure Notifications
Before you opt out, make sure that you fully understand the implications. This is not only about your health. The systems helps you to protect the life of your loved ones! However, if you’re still determined to disable it here is how to:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll for Privacy.
3. Tap on Health.
4. Select COVID-19 Exposure Notifications.
5. Turn them off by the toggle available next to the feature’s name.
Fact: Repeat the procedure if you reconsidered and want to turn the notifications back on!

Fact: The COVID-19 Exposure Notifications API needs a third-party app to work. We expect health authorities to launch these apps soon. We’ll keep you updated!

Do you plan to use this new feature? Let’s us know in the comment section available below!

Related: Check out how to find the nearest COVID-19 testing site from your iPhone!