Should I See A Doctor About COVID-19?

Now that COVID-19 is gaining steam and the United States is now the country with the most confirmed coronavirus cases in the world, we are also starting to see the emergence of online screening tools.



One of these is the COVID-19 Screening Tool which was developed by Apple in partnership with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A web version and iOS (mobile) version are available as of today. Users answer questions about symptoms, travel, and contact with others.

Low-risk responses result in a recommendation to practice social distancing. Other responses that reveal risk factors for developing COVID-19 result in a recommendation to talk to a medical professional about getting tested for COVID-19. Residents of long-term care facilities are instructed to reach out to the doctors in charge of their facilities. Finally, people who have worked in a hospital or other care facility in the last 14 days are instructed to contact the occupational health provider where they work.

Of note, the tool is intended for people who are at least 18 years old. Younger people are directed to the CDC web page for Children and COVID-19.