Nevada launches the COVID Trace app

Several casinos are adopting the trace app and pushing information out about it through their media channels

The state of Nevada launched the COVID Trace app – A contact tracing app that will allow people who have tested positive for COVID-19 to anonymously inform those they previously encountered of potential exposure; providing a significant boost to the state’s capacity to contact trace among visitors, which has been a struggle for the tourism-driven state. 

The COVID Trace will be entirely opt-in that has been developed in collaboration between Apple and Google, and is similar to those already launched in Virginia and Alabama; It uses algorithms and Bluetooth scanning to determine whether two people have had close enough contact to warrant concern. 

Deputy administrator for the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Julia Peek, presented the trace app to reporters on Friday as the key tool to help the state combat the spread of COVID-19, and said “It’s an awesome opportunity for Nevadans, and our visitors to do more, one more thing to continue the fight against COVID to protect themselves and move Nevada to reopening fully again.” 

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak (D) said on the same press conference, state officials may start publicly naming coronavirus hotspots, including casinos that have remained open throughout Nevada’s second virus spike. 

Former MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren, who chairs the task force, said they are talking to “large- and medium-sized employers” about the app and that “several dozen companies” across the state, including MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, are going through the process of not only adopting the trace app but pushing information out about it through their media channels. 

“They believe that not only is this important for their employees but for the community itself and so to the extent that MGM or, let’s say, Caesars, who I had a robust discussion with this week have said, if we can use our media channels, our media contacts, our assets to help communicate that this is an effective tool to help the people of Nevada, we’d be honored to do so,” Murren said. 

As of Tuesday morning, Nevada state had reported 66,075 confirmed cases and 1,200 deaths. Over the past seven days, there has been an average of 579 cases per day, but decreased to 30 percent from the average two weeks ago. 

SiGMA Americas:

Following the successful launch of SiGMA Europe (Malta) and SiGMA Asia (Manila), we’re now launching the inaugural SiGMA AMERICAS, covering all three major timezones. The inaugural edition is set for September 22-24, 2020 with a virtual summit focusing on two themes: SiGMA AMERICAS for the Gaming industry and AMERICAS for the Emerging Tech industry. We wanted to provide fresh content, to help you navigate through these turbulent times. If you’re exploring Americas as a new frontier or wondering which tech solutions to embrace, we’ve got you covered: tune in on September 22-24, 2020.