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Apple Joins Others in Launching Covid-19 Screening Tools

Apple Inc. joined technology giants such as Alphabet Inc.’s Google in launching Covid-19 screening tools to curb coronavirus

Apple Joins Others in Launching Covid-19 Screening Tools
A employee wearing a protective mask is silhouetted while standing in front of an Apple Inc. logo at the company’s store, temporarily closed due to the coronavirus, in the Ginza area of Tokyo, Japan (Photographer: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg) --

Apple Inc. joined technology giants such as Alphabet Inc.’s Google in launching Covid-19 screening tools for users to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The Cupertino, California-based company on Friday released an app for iPhones and iPads with information abut the pandemic and questions to help users determine if they should be tested for the illness. Apple also released a corresponding website with similar functions. The company said it partnered with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to build the tools.

Apple previously added CDC guidelines about social distancing and curbing the spread of the virus to many of its online platforms, including its website, the App Store and Apple Music. It also recently added answers about the virus to its Siri digital assistant.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.