Google’s sister company verily launches a screening website for people who want to get tested for Coronavirus. However, Verily’s website is very limited in scope. It’s only available to people in the Bay Area of California. It’s even more limited than that to qualify, you must be 18 years of age or older, be able to speak English and must be a US resident. It very much looks like the program a Verily spokesperson described to us on the phone. On Friday the expansive triage system that the Trump administration promised.
The website has developed in partnership with government health officials. The initial question meant to ensure that anyone who is seriously ill and does not come to the site because they are not prepared to provide medical attention. These are early in this pilot and are going to be learning more that will help to refine this Coronavirus risk screening and testing.
Statement from Verily: "We are developing a tool to help triage individuals for Covid-19 testing. Verily is in the early stages of development, and planning to roll testing out in the Bay Area, with the hope of expanding more broadly over time.
— Google Communications (@Google_Comms) March 13, 2020
How Did The Screening work?
The initial question on Verily’s site asks-“Are you currently experiencing severe cough, shortness of breath, fever, or other concerning symptoms”. If your answer is “yes” the program tells you “the right fit” to seek medical attention. If your answer is “no” you ask to sign in with a Google account and sign an inform consent authorization form. It details that your data may share with public health officials.
The main goal is to help local authorities expand testing access in California as the need continues to increase. The program is in its early stages, and this site will take the time to assess operations. At pilot sites in the Bay Area before rolling out to additional sites. These are working closely with Governor Newsom’s office, federal authorities and local public health authorities. To ensure that they have the right capabilities in place to help more people over the coming weeks.
You guys can also check –Serious warning issued by doctors on Coronavirus.