Got Coronavirus Questions? Chicago Launches New App For That

CHICAGO — Got new coronavirus questions? Chicago has an app for that called “Chi COVID Coach."

The first-of-its-kind app will allow Chicagoans to preregistered for a coronavirus vaccine, receive daily well-being check-ins, and get alerts about where and when testing is available.

"Though a vaccine may be many months away, CDPH is already taking steps to prepare for mass vaccination," according to a City Hall statement. "Because of this feature, everyone is encouraged to sign up, whether symptomatic or not. Registration for the app is free, and information will be protected and only used by CDPH for public health purposes related to COVID-19."

The "mobile-friendly, web-based application" was developed by Google and MTX as a means to to help the Chicago Public Health Department communicate with Chicagoans who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms. Public health employees will be able to check in with people via daily text messages while they are sick and provide guidance on how to quarantine themselves from family and when to go to the hospital, among other things.

In the future, Chicago public health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said, the app will be used to contact people who have had coronavirus symptoms to let them know when reliable antibody testing is available.

More information is available on the city's COVID-19 webpage.