VIRUS SCREENING TOOL LAUNCHED

COVIDCheck asks a series of questions about individual’s demographics and symptoms before recommending next steps.

COVIDCheck can help identify those at risk, recommend next steps

Gov. Ralph Northam announced a free online service Friday to help Virginians self-screen for the coronavirus.

COVIDCheck asks a series of questions about the individual’s demographics and symptoms before recommending next steps, such as selfisolation, seeing a doctor or seeking emergency care.

“If you are feeling sick or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, it is important that you take action right away,” Northam said.

COVIDCheck should not be used in place of emergency care, but it can help identify users who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 and help them locate a testing site.

“As we work to flatten the curve in our Commonwealth, telehealth services like this will be vital to relieving some of the strains on providers and health systems and making health care more convenient and accessible,” Northam said in a news release.

The service initially asks people whether they’re experiencing chills, cough, fever, sore throat or difficulty getting air and how long they’ve been experiencing their symptoms. It asks follow-up questions about a series of related symptoms before making a recommendation.

It does not require people to provide their names or contact information before making a recommendation.

If COVIDCheck recommends contacting a medical professional, it asks the user to submit their insurance provider and ZIP code to provide a list of resources in the area.

The service, which was developed by Bouy Health, also gives users the option of submitting their contact information so the service can checkin after three days.

COVIDCheck is available on the Virginia Department of Health’s website h t t p s : // www.vd h . v i rg i n i a . g o v/c o ro n a virus/covidcheck/.