Apple Made a Pretty Solid Covid-19 Screening Tool

There ’s no shortage of tech companies willing to help fight the current Covid-19 pandemic . Intel recentlyset away $ 6 millionfor relief efforts . Google iscommitting $ 50 millionto relief efforts . Telecoms arewaivingdata overage and late fee . Among them are company like Apple that have developed Covid-19 showing instrument that anyone can use from nursing home , as long as they have an internet connection .

The tool , which Apple rise in partnership with the CDC , The White House , and FEMA , ask you to do a series of simple head about potential symptoms , locomotion , and anyone you may have come into forcible contact with lately . More specifically , it ask you about symptoms that have been associated with Covid-19 like a painful pharynx , vomiting , and fever , and if you presently suffer from any continuing health conditions like asthma , cirrhosis of the liver , and pregnancy . ( Yes , pregnancy is listed as a wellness term . )

After I take the exam , it distinguish me that I did n’t need to get tested for Covid-19 ( yay ) and should keep practicing societal distancing . But when I took the trial for a hypothetical person who was significant , has a febrility and a tender throat , be in an area where Covid-19 is far-flung , and have been near someone who has Covid-19 , the tool told them to get hold of their health care supplier . to boot , it say to isolate from others for at least seven day and monitor their symptoms .

Photo: Hector Retamal/AFP (Getty Images)

Apple aver your answers will not be shared with it or the CDC without your permission , and — of trend — it also slaps a big disavowal on the tool before you start answering questions :

“ By using this instrument , you agree to its condition and that Apple will not be liable for any damage relating to your use . Recommendations provided by this tool do not constitute aesculapian advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions . ”

If you have used this tool and think you might have Covid-19 , the best thing you could do is call your doctor ( or 911 if you are march any of the more stern symptom ) and get an factual test .

Screenshot: Gizmodo