Corona Virus Outbreak App
The only option to download the app is from GitHub. As we discussed, it is because of the strong review policies around the Virus outbreak. The GitHub page is constantly updated by the developer who is also very responsive in terms of bug reports.
The download will give you an “apk“ file which you’ll have to manually install. You might get a “Download from Unknown Sources” prompt. Just bypass it by allowing and granting the required permissions. Then Install and run the app.
1. Latest COVID-19 Stats
The most useful part of this app is that you have all the information at the palm of your hand. It’s laid out in a clean and digestible manner. As you first open the app you’ll see plenty of information right on top. Starting from total cases, the number of deaths and also total recoveries. The next section has the same stats but these are segregated country-wise and have specific stats for each one.
2. News from Various Sources
News is a very important resource to keep yourself updated and this feature is built within the app. It focuses on Headlines which can be shared on other social media channels. You can swipe left to preview more stories and click on the headline to open it in your browser window. The news isn’t just restricted to information about the outbreak, but other areas, such as tech and commerce as well. I personally found all the news sources legitimate, some of which are Bloomberg, BBC, The Verge, etc.
3. Global Infection Map
Maps are a great way to understand the intensity of an outbreak. This one gives you an interactive map, that shows the number of cases around the world. The number of infected people is represented by Red and Blue Dots representing each affected country. Similar to the other sections, when you tap on a specific country, it’ll show you detailed information about confirmed infections, fatal infections, and successful recoveries.
4. User-Based Location Stats
It’s a common understanding that in situations like these, you’re more affected by the conditions in and around your area. This location-specific feature works only after you’ve granted location access. It’s very important to know where your home-country ranks in the total tally of infected countries. Moreover, a small section is also dedicated to symptoms, ways to prevent yourself from being exposed to the virus and details about how the virus spreads.
5. COVID-19 Self Diagnostic Test
Self Quarantine is the one advice that specialists focus on and with a self-diagnostic test, you’ll be certain if you actually need to do it. You’ve to pick from the common factors that contribute to a probable positive result. Some of these are current body temperate, intense cough, whether you’ve traveled to high-risk zones and a few more such criteria. This test gives you an estimate of the infection probability along with a brief result analysis.
6. What’s the Information Source?
This app gathers information from the data repository which is maintained by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering (JHU CSSE). The data is gathered from several valid sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China (NHC), the Hong Kong Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), etc. Keep Calm and Stay Safe There’s already a lot of misinformation on the web and also in open. I advise you to stay away from crowded areas as much as possible. Self-quarantine is an effective way and is now replicated across countries. Although there is no vaccine for the virus as of yet, you can prevent yourself by washing your hands, using a sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and strictly avoiding touching your face. Last but most importantly, be in touch with your doctor and keep track if any of your closed ones are affected. Also Read: Official Coronavirus Live Maps and Apps to Track COVID-19
