Apple COVID-19 screening tool introduces anonymous data sharing

Apple has updated its COVID-19 screening app with an option to anonymously share information with the company plus health authorities to improve the app and gather data about coronavirus.

The COVID-19 screening tool, which shouldn't be confused with the Apple-Google Exposure Notification API, was released in March as an educational hub for coronavirus information.

As noted by TechCrunch, the new update allows users to anonymously share data with state public health agencies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with Apple.

That includes a user's age, symptoms and other data that Apple says will be used to improve the COVID-19 screening app and to help health officials better understand the virus.

Apple makes it clear that this data is shared in a way that won't personally identify users. It'll also be aggregated as an additional privacy mechanism.

The COVID-19 screening tool is meant to help users stay informed by answering questions about recent exposure and symptoms and reading guidelines from the CDC. It's been updated with new features and information several times since March. Past updates added self-care tips and updated COVID-19 symptoms.

Apple developed the tool, which is also available as a website, in collaboration with the CDC and the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

35 Comments

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

About 4 years ago

This screening tool may take on additional importance as the WHO recently announced that prevailing evidence is pointing to the likelihood that asymptomatic people are a minimal source of infection: That almost all infections are spread by those who are symptomatic.

That's based on studies from countries who do extensive testing and contract tracing. And, is based on the fact that they are not seeing much "secondary spread" from non-symptomatic people. They also pointed out that people can be asymptomatic either by being infected but, for some reason, not showing signs of it -- or, by being only lightly infected.

But, while they are saying the evidence is pointing this way, it has not been definitively proven and needs more study.

But, if true, it means identifying symptomatic people earlier and getting them out of circulation quickly could go a long way to significantly reducing the spread of infection.

apple ][ 9225 comments · 13 Years

About 4 years ago

The virus is officially a joke now, as far as I am concerned.

I'm done with wearing masks, unless they are required when I enter certain stores. I just carry one in my pocket and I'll put it quickly on if I need to enter certain stores. I remove it as soon as I leave. The mask is just for show.

It's a joke that the same companies that are preaching social distancing are also supporting mass gatherings and protests. They can't have it both ways and they have shown that they are full of crap, and that includes Apple.

No app wlll ever be downloaded on any of my devices. Even if the virus were to return for a second wave in the fall or whatever, then I will not be listening to any of the so-called "experts" or the clueless and hypocritical authorities anymore. Their jig is up.

igorsky 773 comments · 9 Years

About 4 years ago

GeorgeBMac said:

This screening tool may take on additional importance as the WHO recently announced that prevailing evidence is pointing to the likelihood that asymptomatic people are a minimal source of infection: That almost all infections are spread by those who are symptomatic.

That's based on studies from countries who do extensive testing and contract tracing. And, is based on the fact that they are not seeing much "secondary spread" from non-symptomatic people. They also pointed out that people can be asymptomatic either by being infected but, for some reason, not showing signs of it -- or, by being only lightly infected.

But, while they are saying the evidence is pointing this way, it has not been definitively proven and needs more study.
But, if true, it means identifying symptomatic people earlier and getting them out of circulation quickly could go a long way to significantly reducing the spread of infection.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the WHO have already walked this statement back.

igorsky 773 comments · 9 Years

About 4 years ago

apple ][ said:

The virus is officially a joke now, as far as I am concerned.

I'm done with wearing masks, unless they are required when I enter certain stores. I just carry one in my pocket and I'll put it quickly on if I need to enter certain stores. I remove it as soon as I leave. The mask is just for show.

It's a joke that the same companies that are preaching social distancing are also supporting mass gatherings and protests. They can't have it both ways and they have shown that they are full of crap, and that includes Apple.

No app wlll ever be downloaded on any of my devices. Even if the virus were to return for a second wave in the fall or whatever, then I will not be listening to any of the so-called "experts" or the clueless and hypocritical authorities anymore. Their jig is up.

That's awesome. Hope you don't live anywhere near me or my family and friends.

apple ][ 9225 comments · 13 Years

About 4 years ago

igorsky said:
That's awesome. Hope you don't live anywhere near me or my family and friends.

My concern is only for numero uno from now on.

I followed the idiotic guidelines for a few months, but I have now cancelled those guidelines and they are no longer in effect for me.