Message Types

Message types are default categories that classify notifications to help people understand the significance of a notification they receive. When you select a message type, that message type is added to the front of the notification subject. For example, a notification titled COVID-19 Hospitalization Surge sent as an Alert will appear as: Alert: COVID-19 Hospitalization Surge.

System Administrators can configure message types. These are the default options.

• Alert: An alert conveys the highest level of importance. It provides vital, time-sensitive information for a specific incident or situation and warrants immediate attention by health officials, laboratory technicians, clinicians, and members of the public.

• Update: An update follows an alert or advisory and provides additional information that may affect your response.

• Advisory: An advisory may not require immediate action, but still provides important information about an incident or situation and may contain recommendations for public health officials, laboratory technicians, and clinicians.

• Information Service: An information service may provide general or detailed information about an incident or situation that can act as guidelines for action or response.

• Call-down Drill: A drill provides realistic-like information that is only sent regarding a drill or exercise.

• Test: A test is a preview of a notification that is generally sent prior to the actual notification.

• Cancel: A cancellation indicates that a previously sent notification with a call-to-action related to an incident or situation has been resolved or no further action is needed at present.