Apple released a new screening tool and set of resources that are supposed to help people stay informed and take the proper steps to protect their health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new COVID-19 website and COVID-19 app were created in partnership with the CDC, the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and FEMA.
The COVID-19 app and website allow users to answer a series of questions around risk factors, recent exposure, and symptoms for themselves or a loved one.
In turn, they will get recommendations on the next steps, including guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, how to closely monitor symptoms, whether or not a test is recommended, and when to contact a medical provider.
Apple says this new screening tool is designed to be a resource for people and does not replace instructions from healthcare providers or guidance from state and local health authorities.
Users of the app can learn the most up-to-date information from the CDC, like best practices for washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, and monitoring symptoms.
Along with the new COVID-19 app and website, people across the U.S. can ask Siri, “How do I know if I have coronavirus?”
This gives you access to guidance and resources from the CDC and a collection of telehealth apps available on the App Store.
This week, travelers landing at select international airports throughout the U.S. already started getting notifications on their iPhone to remind them of current CDC guidance to stay home and monitor their health.
Apple says these new tools do not require a sign-in or association with a user’s Apple ID.
They also say responses will not be sent to Apple or any government organization.
Anyone in the US who is 18 years or older can access the screening tool and resources today by downloading the COVID-19 app on the App Store or visiting apple.com/covid19.
