If you’re an iPhone user that wonders if they have any symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus, you can now consult with Apple’s Siri virtual assistant.
CNBC:
Apple has updated its voice assistant to provide users with a step-by-step questionnaire if they ask variations of, “Hey Siri, do I have the coronavirus?”
The update appears to have been made on Saturday, when users first started noticing it.
Users that ask Siri a variation of, “Do I have coronavirus?” will be presented with questions asking if they’re exhibiting symptoms of the disease, such as fever, dry cough or shortness of breath. Siri will then advise users who say they are exhibiting extreme or life-threatening symptoms to consider calling 911.
It also providers users with a link in the App Store, where they can download telehealth apps to allow receiving virtual consultation. Otherwise, Siri will suggest they visit the CDC.gov website.
The answers are from the U.S. Public Health Service, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Apple.
The service is currently aimed at users in the United States. It is not known if, or when, the service will be expanded internationally.
Apple joins other tech giants that are working to aid folks who are looking for more information about the coronavirus pandemic.
Facebook said last week it planned to launch a coronavirus information center that will appear alongside users’ news feed. It encourages people to take social distancing seriously and also has a “request or offer help” page.
Google’s COVID-19 website that provides information about the pandemic debuted on Friday.
