PA officials send alert messages to mobile devices regarding pandemic

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On Wednesday, Pennsylvania officials sent out an alert regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Wolf Administration has begun using the national Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system for coronavirus public updates, state officials announced Wednesday.

The state’s first message was sent on Wednesday.

Officials say they have the option to send messages to specific regions of the state, so if one particular area in Pennsylvania is experiencing a higher surge, users in that area could expect to find messages alerting them to COVID-19 testing locations, or to stay at home, for example.

Messages will be sent in English and in Spanish.

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The WEA is a national public safety system. Those who own mobile devices receive geographically targeted text messages informing them of direct threats of safety to their area.

Messages regarding the pandemic are an effort of both the Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

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