Google delays coronavirus info site that includes ‘screening and testing’ until later this week
GOOGLE is set to launch an informative coronavirus website but has delayed it until later this week.
The US-focused website has come up against some issues already as the tech giant wasn't planning on making it until last week.
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There have also been points of contention raised with US President Donal Trump.
This is because Trump said Google was making a site where people could check their symptoms, arrange to get tested and get test results.
However, he was actually referring to a limited site from Verily, a sister company to Google.
Google is still making its own coronavirus website but has told it wants to take its time to make sure all the information is up to date and correct.
Critics are sceptical that the Google site will live up to the national screening features that the White House claimed it would have.
Google Communications recently : "Google is partnering with the US Government in developing a nationwide website that includes information about COVID-19 symptoms, risk and testing information.
"This is in addition to other measures we are taking, including: a Google “home page promotion” to promote greater awareness of simple measures citizens can take to prevent the spread of the disease."
If Google's site does link to a screening tool, it's likely to come from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Google has said it will also provide information on the location of testing sites when they become available.
The company released this statement: "Verily launched a pilot website late Sunday to counties in the Bay Area, and is working with authorities to scale this effort further.
"With local and national guidance evolving rapidly, Google will continue working with relevant agencies and authorities to roll out a website later this week that will surface authoritative information for people in the U.S., including on screening and testing."
So far we only have confirmation that Google wants to roll out this website nationally in the US.
It will be made in American English first and then a Spanish version will be created.
We have reached out to Google for comment on whether a similar website would ever be made for other countries.
What to do if you're worried you've got coronavirus
The new coronavirus is continuing to sweep its way across the globe with Britain seeing more cases in people who aren't linked to outbreaks overseas.
Symptoms of Covid-19 can include:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- difficulty breathing
In most cases, you won't know whether you have a coronavirus or a different cold-causing virus.
But if a coronavirus infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, it can cause pneumonia, especially in older people, people with heart disease or people with weakened immune systems.
It is incredibly contagious and is spread through contact with anything the virus is on as well as infected breath, coughs or sneezes.
The best way to prevent catching any form of coronavirus is to practice good hygiene.
If you have cold-like symptoms, you can help protect others by staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with others.
You should also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze then throw it away and wash your hands.
Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces which you may have touched is also important.
Meanwhile, leading symptom-checking provider to the NHS has been updated to help identify patients' risk of having coronavirus.
Source: NHS
In other news, Twitter has created a hand-washing emoji.
Instagram has banned dangerous, reckless and insensitive coronavirus filters.
And, here's how to find out if someone if logged into your Google Account.
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