COVID-19
Digital Connectivity
Resources
Disclaimer: The list below illustrates our current findings. We will be updating this and all other COVID-19 related resource pages as we discover more information. The information provided here and on other pages has been taken as directly as possible from their original sources, all of which have been linked appropriately.
LGBT Tech does not endorse the companies listed below. We simply want to make as many resources as possible available to those who need them.
software
General
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The company has updated Siri to provide accurate COVID-19 information to users asking if they have the virus. Siri will walk the user through a step-by-step questionnaire about symptoms, and urge any users exhibiting extreme or life-threatening symptoms to call 911. Siri will also provide a link connecting users with a curated list of telehealth options available on the App Store.
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Apple has released the Apple COVID-19 app, available for users to download on the App Store. The app was developed in partnership with the CDC, the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and FEMA to help user screen themselves for the virus.
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Apple has also released their new COVID-19 website to help users screen for the virus as well as to connect them with potential treatment.
Apps
First Responder COVID-19 Guide
Apple and Stanford University have created this app to help first responders determine whether or not they need testing for COVID-19. The app's features as described in the Apple app store have been listed below for reference:
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A screening questionnaire to determine whether testing is recommended based on the user's symptoms, medical history and exposure. The app saves the results for future reference, with all answers securely stored on the user's device. Results remain confidential unless the user chooses to share them with Apple, Stanford, or others.
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The app provides users with the latest COVID-19 resources from Stanford Medicine physicians and scientists, including a comprehensive list of frequently-asked questions, an easy-to-understand guide for protection against the virus, and videos of weekly virtual town hall meetings where Stanford Medicine leaders update the community on the pandemic and its implications.
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The app also helps educate first responders about the unique risks they may face with COVID-19, with Stanford Medicine emergency medicine experts answering questions about potential exposure, safety, and best practices. The app offers detailed guidance and recommendations from local agencies and national organizations for avoiding infection and containing the outbreak.
Conferencing
Titles with asterisks (*) indicate HIPAA compliant options.
Caribu is a video-calling app designed specifically to connect families with young children. The app features children's books, games, and activities in addition to video-calls. AT&T is funding 60 days of free access and unlimited usage of Caribu. This offer is valid from March 24-May 24, 2020.
Discord is a free program where users can connect through video conferencing, audio calls, and IM. Discord recently announced that during the pandemic they will be expanding their Go Live feature to support up to 50 users at a time (previously 10).
Facebook is releasing its own video chat feature, available through Facebook and the Messenger app. Users of the online platform can now video chat with up to 50 people at a time for as long as they'd like. Facebook plans to add Rooms features to Instagram Live, WhatsApp, and Portal.
GoToMeeting plans provide users with video and audio conferencing, as well as other useful features for professionals and organizations such as screensharing, Google Calendar plugins, and more. All GoToMeeting plans are HIPAA compliant by default.
Google's G Suite contains two features for conferencing - Hangouts Chat, a secure professional IM service, and Hangouts Meet, a video and audio conference call feature. The number of participants supported per call varies per plan, which start at $6 per month. G Suite also offer HIPAA compliance for their Hangout features for interested organizations.
VSee is a telehealth conferencing software designed specifically for healthcare professionals. VSee contains extensive information on the software's HIPAA compliant features.
Due to recent increases in video conferencing, Zoom has updated their security features to ensure their users' safety. Information about the updates can be found here.
Additional information about securing your Zoom accounts can be found here.
