Apple Launches COVID-19 Website and App With Screening Tool and Resources

Apple today announced that it has released a new COVID-19 website and iPhone app with a screening tool and other resources to help people stay informed and take the proper steps to protect their health during the spread of the novel coronavirus. Apple partnered with the CDC, the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and FEMA on this initiative.

Apple new covid 19 app macbook pro iphone 11 pro 03272020 big
The website and app allow users to answer a series of questions regarding risk factors, recent exposure, and symptoms and 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 says its screening tool does not replace instructions from healthcare providers or guidance from state and local health authorities.

The website and app also offer access to COVID-19 resources to help people stay informed and get support. Users will receive answers to frequently asked questions about the virus, including who is most at risk and how to recognize symptoms.

The screening tool can be used by anyone who is 18 years or older in the United States. Apple says any data that users provide on the COVID-19 website or app will not be shared with Apple, the CDC, or anyone without explicit permission.

Top Rated Comments

cmaier Avatar
41 months ago

Apple despises users of iOS 9 so much that their CoV website mentioned above won't even load - blank page.
Inexcusable
Why on earth would they even bother to test things against iOS 9? It's 2020.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cmaier Avatar
41 months ago

30% of iPhone users cannot use Apples Covid-19 app. It’s iOS 13 only. 43% of iPad users can’t use it either. Ref: https://developer.apple.com/support/app-store/
Good thing there's a website they provided that does the same thing.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cmaier Avatar
41 months ago

Tim claims to want to help all members of society, especially the vulnerable. If someone does not have the means to upgrade to a device that can handle the latest iOS, why should they be excluded from being able to access this valuable information that only Apple thinks it can provide?
You have to draw a line somewhere. Should he test against iPhoneOS 1.0, too?

Give us a break.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bandaman Avatar
41 months ago

Apple despises users of iOS 9 so much that their CoV website mentioned above won't even load - blank page.
Inexcusable
Update your phone.


Tim claims to want to help all members of society, especially the vulnerable. If someone does not have the means to upgrade to a device that can handle the latest iOS, why should they be excluded from being able to access this valuable information that only Apple thinks it can provide?
None of that has anything to do with the refusal of someone to update their phone.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
citysnaps Avatar
41 months ago

Tim claims to want to help all members of society, especially the vulnerable. If someone does not have the means to upgrade to a device that can handle the latest iOS, why should they be excluded from being able to access this valuable information that only Apple thinks it can provide?
You really believe that's what Apple thinks?

Regarding iOS 9 inclusion, we live in a world where you will rarely find perfection. Apple is doing a great job in dealing with the current situation. You have choices if you're not happy with Apple.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
masotime Avatar
41 months ago

Apple despises users of iOS 9 so much that their CoV website mentioned above won't even load - blank page.
Inexcusable
You still have an iPhone 4S? That's.... an almost 9 year old phone. You don't even need a "luxury device" - the iPhone 5S supports up to iOS 12.x.

Regardless, Apple is doing this as a courtesy - it is not the official agency handling the COVID-19 response. While a nice touch, it's unfortunate you can't access it, but you should look for other resources in your scenario.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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