Gov. Ned Lamont Thursday introduced a new tool available to residents to learn if they have been exposed to the coronavirus.

On some phones, the COVID Alert CT app is already in settings waiting to be turned on.

The app uses Bluetooth to sense whether a user's device has been within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, for 15 minutes or more.

If a user has been near another person who has tested positive and is also using the app, an alert will notify them of exposure.

When a person tests positive, a contact tracer will ask if they are willing to share the close contact codes their app has logged.

If they agree, they'll be given a code to put in to the app. Anyone using the app who has been in close contact with that person will receive an alert.

"It's the safest thing you can do, to not just keep yourself safe, but your family and friends safe. And if we all do it together, you can keep each other safe," said Lamont.

This is all done anonymously. Users will not be alerted who exposed them, just that they were exposed. State officials say the sharing status is secure and private.

BRIEFING UPDATES:

-24,001 tests were administered and 1,158 came back positive (4.82% positivity rate)

-617 patients are currently hospitalized (increase of 33)

-There have been 10 additional deaths

-The number of people hospitalized has doubled in two weeks.

-100 towns in red alert status, 80% of the population.

-Gov. Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut has launched its official COVID-19 exposure notification app, COVID Alert CT.

-The app, available for Apple and Android mobile devices, informs users if they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 – all without sharing any personal information.

-With 14 days until Thanksgiving, Lamont is urging residents to take extra precautions: 14 day quarantine either prior to leaving or on arrival; students should get tested before leaving college and on day 7 of quarantine; complete 14 day quarantine even if test results are negative; avoid quarantining with family members who are at risk; avoid large gatherings/reunions.

-Stay safe and stay home: People over 60 or with risk factors should stay home; 10 person limit on private gatherings.

-The state is calling in National Guard members and keeping testing sites open longer due to spike.