Apple’s Self-Screening Tool for Corona Virus
Novel Coronavirus has resulted in a spike indemandof the testing kits but there has been a constant struggle insupplying and fulfillingthat demand. Fewer tests straightaway leads tolow reported infectedcases in comparison to the actual number. To find a way around this solution,Applehas created aself-test screening toolthat can easily be accessed from anywhere. The best part is, you don’t particularly need an Apple device and it hardly takes any time.
So, here’s Apple’s Self-Screening Tool for Corona Virus.
The online screening-test was developed in collaboration with CDC, The White House Coronavirus Task Force and FEMA.
Read:Official Coronavirus Live Maps and Apps to Track COVID-19
Who should take the test?
Well, everyone as the virus is spreading like a wildfire. But surely, if you’ve any of these symptoms below as given on Apple’s website.
You don’t need any extra hardware for this. It’s a simple questionnaire that mainly contains multiple options related to common factors, symptoms, exposure to risk, etc. As you keep selecting options that reflect your present condition, the app/website will show you the next question in accordance with theCDC guidelines.
In the end, as you complete the test. You’ll be able to see the suggestions and advice according to your profile. For instance,guidelineson social distancing, if self-isolation is needed or if your symptoms match a COVID-19 infected patient.
The main aim is for people to always be vigilant, stay informed about their health and take proper precaution for oneself and people around during COVID-19 wide-spread.
In addition to the screening, users can also access a large database of COVID-19 related material, FAQs, which dispels most of the myths making rounds on the internet.
Hey, Can I ask Siri?
If you’re residing in the US, besides the app and the website, you have an option toask Siri, as well. Simply ask,“How do I know if I have coronavirus?”. This will give you a resource list and guided material from CDC. It’ll also recommend a collection ofTelehealth appsavailable on the App store. Remember, this is just a resource list and it’s not a replacement for medical diagnosis or advice.
The screening tool also keeps in mind user privacy and share no data with either Apple or CDC and hence doesn’t require your Apple ID to take the test.
Website forCOVID-19 Screening Tool|DownloadApple COVID-19 App
Closing Words
The questionnaire on the Apple screening tool is quite similar to the ones asked by theCDC’s chatbot. The minor difference is that the CDC’s chatbot asks more location-specific questions. Moreover, since the Apple screening tool, is hosted on the web, it is accessible to Android users as well. We also covered theCorona Virus Outbreak Appavailable on GitHub that lets you do the same.
This week, travellers landing at select international airports throughout the US started receiving notifications on their iPhone to remind them of current CDC guidance to stay home and monitor their health. So, know your status and prevent spreading it to otehrs.
Also Read:COVID-19 Apps to Stay Updated About the Pandemic
Vaibhav is a broadcast journalist with a keen interest in tech. He doesn’t believe in fanboying a specific product. He writes about things he believes are actually helpful in some way to the user.
