Coronavirus: best apps to stay informed on Covid-19 quarantine
An overview of some of the most useful verified available coronavirus related applications, ranging from tracking the virus through to mental welfare.
With much of the world in self-isolation due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, technology has become an essential ally, offering a wealth of information, providing entertainment and affording us opportunities to maintain social interaction.
Staying informed in these testing times is important as we look at a series of apps designed to help you keep track of how the virus is progressing and also to keep up to date on the latest health advice.
These apps are all verified in both the Apple App Store and Google Play and are sourced from recognised health agencies and institutions.
Globally available apps
1) WHO (World Health Organisation) info
The official World Health Organisation application offers the latest health information with advice, updates and the latest news on the virus. The daily press conferences can also be streamed live via the app. It’s also reported that the WHO are working on a specific stand-alone Covid-19 application that is expected to be released via Apple and Google platforms week commencing March 30th.
2) United Nations
This multi lingual UN application offers comprehensive information from around the globe on a series of issues ranging from sustainability through to climate change. It includes daily global Covid-19 virus information with a series of video and audio field reports on how the pandemic is affecting daily life in all corners of the planet.
3) Worldometer
An uncomplicated but informative numbers based application offering constant updates, statistics and graphs relating to confirmed coronavirus cases, deaths, recoveries and closed cases on a both global level and country by country basis. (Only available via Google Play)
4) Youper
An emotional health assistant app with Youper using artificial intelligence to help users reduce their anxiety levels, manage their mood and improve their sleep. Through a series of strategies from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), one can use the app to listen to its mindfulness practices, monitor your emotions with the mood tracker and learn more about anxiety and depression.
5) Headspace
An app that offers less stress and the ability to sleep soundly. Through a guide of daily meditations the app offers the user to manage stress and through original sleepcasts, provide the assistance to help users unwind at bedtime.
6) Zoom
In these times of self-isolation and lockdown, staying in touch with close friends and family is essential. Zoom offers the possibility of high quality via 4G, LTE and 3G networks video calls with our nearest and dearest via the multiple user screenshare screen. The app can be used on both mobile devices as well as iPad, Mac and Windows based devices.
Regionally available apps
(UK) NHS
As well as being able to view your medical records and book GP appointments, the app is invaluable right now as it lets users search trusted NHS information and advice if you think you have Covid-19 symptoms and provides instant advice or medical help. Users must be registered with a GP surgery in England to enable the app and then create a NHS login account.
(USA) CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention)
The official application from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the leading national public health institute of the United States offers the latest health information for the US.
The app offers advice, information and the latest date, news nd updates on Covid-19 with the settings option affording users to opt for information on their particular US state.
(UK) Covid Sympton Tracker
Developed by Kings College London and currently No. 13 on the UK App Store (Free Apps). Users are asked to create an account and asked to monitor any symptom that could be associated with Covid-19 on a daily basis. The list currently includes fever, persistent cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, hoarseness, chest pain, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, drowsiness and confusion, and lack of appetite.
(Ireland) HSE Covid
An application from Ireland’s Department of Health (HSE) which allows users to monitor Covid-19 symptoms during self-isolation. The information is then shared with monitoring centres who assess the information and offer additional support.
* access the Apple App Store/Google Play store in your region to download these apps.
* all apps are free to download at the time of publication, with Headspace offering a subscription model.
You can follow the latest developments in the Covid-19 pandemic with our daily live blog.