A woman wearing a protective mask looks at her mobile phone while waiting for transport at Hongqiao high-speed railway station before Lunar New Year in Shanghai, China, Jan. 22, 2020.

China has released a mobile app that tracks people and alerts them if they have been in "close contact with someone infected" with the new coronavirus.

The "close contact detector" was released Saturday night, according to China's state news agency Xinhua. Users scan a QR code on popular Chinese apps like WeChat and QQ, and submit their name, phone number and government-issued ID number to request information about whether they have been in close contact with anyone infected by the virus.

China's National Health Commission defines close contact as someone who has been close to someone who is infected or is suspected of being infected, according to the report. It also includes potential cases, the report said, such as family members and caregivers as well as passengers and crew members who have been on the same train or plane as those suspected of being exposed to the virus.

Once users enter their name and ID number, the app will tell them whether they were in close contact with someone infected, the report said, adding that each registered phone number can run the search for three different ID numbers.

If the app determines a user is at risk, the report said they are advised to stay home and get in touch with local health authorities.