Apple Release Covid-19 screening App and Website with CDC

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On Friday Apple released a COVID-19 website and app which has screening tool and other information about the coronavirus outbreak. The app and sites are meant to “make it easy for people across the country to get trusted information and guidance at a time when the US is feeling the heavy burden of COVID-19”, said Apple 

The website and App were advanced in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the White House coronavirus task force and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

Apple said in a release, based on their responses, they’ll receive CDC recommendations on next steps, including “guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, how to closely monitor symptoms, whether or not a test is recommended at this time, and when to contact a medical provider.”

Apple said the screening tool do not replace instructions from doctors and health care providers or guidance from state, and local health authorities. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a tweet on Friday “To help you stay informed, understand symptoms and take proper steps to protect your health, Apple has created a COVID-19 website and a US app in partnership with the CDC, as always, the data is yours and your privacy is protected. Stay safe and healthy.”

“The White House commends companies like Apple Inc. for answering President Trump’s call for a public-private alliance against this invisible enemy,” said a senior White House official in a statement Friday. The CDC plans to encourage other companies to build additional COVID-19 tools by open sourcing it’s under laying recommendations and algorithms, the official said.

Apple updated its digital assistant Siri in earlier, this week to help guide those worried about coronavirus symptoms. Summoned by asking Siri “do I have coronavirus,” the assistant will respond with the survey that uses yes and no answers to try to guide people on potential next steps.  The CDC also has a coronavirus self-checker chat bot on its website that can assess people’s symptoms and risk factors, and help them make decisions about seeking medical care. That tool was developed using Microsoft’s Healthcare Bot service.