In a recent and unfortunate surge, the United States overtook China and became the country with the most number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world. Out of the total 558,905 confirmed cases, the tally of the U.S. stands at 86,012. Considering the status quo, multiple tech giants have already started playing their part in fighting this pandemic.
Today, California-based Apple launched a new screening tool and a set of resources to help people across the United States stay informed amidst the outbreak of the pandemic. The COVID-19 Screening Tool is available both, on a web at 'www.apple.com/covid19/' and as a standalone app in the App Store.
The tool asks users to answer a series of questions pertaining to risk factors, recent exposure, and symptoms. Once this is done, they will receive CDC recommendations and guidance on social distancing and self-isolating. They will also receive guidance on when to contact a medical provider, how to closely monitor symptoms, and whether or not a test is recommended at this time. These questions are similar to what Siri asks when the users ask if they have coronavirus.
The app and website also offer access to resources including frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and the recommended practices for disinfecting surfaces, gauging symptoms, and washing hands. This follows from the addition of a section dedicated to providing COVID-19 information on Apple News.
While the screening tool was created in partnership with the CDC, the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and FEMA, Apple has stated that it is essentially a 'resource' for users, not a substitute for guidance and supervision from healthcare providers and authorities.
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