State officials will release a COVID-19 alert phone application in September to help stop the spread of the virus.

"This app uses Bluetooth technology to let a person know that they have been exposed to COVID-19 without compromising their identity or their location," said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine.

Levine said people live busy lives, and it can be hard to track who they have been around. She said this app will be a good complementary service to their current virus tracking efforts.

"This innovative solution doesn't replace our case investigators and our over 1,200 contact tracers," Levine said. "It actually enhanced their efforts."

This is a breaking news report — pick up Wednesday's Butler Eagle to read the full article.