Did you get an alert on your phone about COVID-19? Here’s why Manatee County sent it
For the first time ever, Manatee County Public Safety sent out text messages using the federal wireless alert system IPAWS, or the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
After 5:30 p.m., cell phones in Manatee County went off with an emergency text message. The message with the subject, coronavirus information” then read, “Prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Beach and restaurant restrictions in effect: 10 people per group, maintain 6 ft distance. Restaurant 50% capacity restrictions in place. Bars and nightclubs closed.”
The IPAWS system is operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency but can be used by federal, state and local agencies to communicate with the public during an emergency.
In Manatee County, Wednesday was the first time the system was utilized, after a decision made by county and city leaders, according to Public Safety Director Jacob Saur.
On Wednesday, while beaches remained busy, people appeared to be taking the social distancing more seriously.
The alert went out to all cell phones in the Manatee County area, including to users who might have passed through the county within the previous hour, Saur explained. The system works by picking up any cell phones that are connected to cell phone towers in the county.
Moments after the text messages went out, cell phones rang with an robocall from Manatee County Department of Public Safety delivering a similar message. That message was pushed using a state complied database of phone numbers for Manatee County residents.
Beach-goers will also be greeted by a similar message on electronic signs on Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue West when they arrive on Anna Maria Island. The signs will say, “Beach Restrictions 10 per group maintain 6 ft distance.”
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 6:05 PM.
