Apple launches coronavirus app, website

FILE PHOTO: Officials with technology giant Apple announced the release Friday of a new screening tool and resources in the form of an app and a website to help people protect themselves amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

FILE PHOTO: Officials with technology giant Apple announced the release Friday of a new screening tool and resources in the form of an app and a website to help people protect themselves amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

Officials with technology giant Apple announced the release Friday of a new screening tool and resources in the form of an app and a website to help people protect themselves amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both the app and the site were developed in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the White House Coronavirus Task Force and theFederal Emergency Management Agency.

"The COVID-19 app and website allow users to answer a series of questions around risk factors, recent exposure and symptoms for themselves or a loved one," company officials said Friday in a news release.

“In turn, they will 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.”

Company officials highlighted that the tools are meant to be resources and are not meant to replace advice from health care providers or warnings and guidance shared by state and local officials. Information inputted into the app or the website will not be sent to Apple or any government organization, officials said.

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