An automated resource website specifically created to help people living in Singapore spot Coronavirus symptoms, and help them decide on what their next step should be based on the severity of their symptoms, the Singapore COVID-19 symptom checker, was launched Friday (3 April)
This is a joint collaboration by the National University Health System (NUHS), National Centre for Infectious Disease (NCID) and the Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT).
COVID-19 symptom checker
Online screening platform
The Singapore COVID-19 symptom checker, found at www.sgcovidcheck.com is an online screening tool that enables the user to run a customised, self-check based on their symptoms and get basic advice on what they should do next, ranging from "observe yourself for 2-3 days", to "Go to the nearest emergency at your local hospital." The symptom checker can also be found on MOH's website under COVID-19 Resources and on MOH's HealthHub app.
The screening tool is simple and easy to use and helps people who are worried they may be infected with COVID-19, get appropriate advice based on a series of questions. It takes into consideration a person's symptoms, age, recent travel history, and any known exposure to people who have already been infected. The resource website is currently only in English but will be available in other languages soon.
According to a joint media release by the authorities, members of the public who use the system receive "immediate suggestions on possible next steps, be it continuing to monitor their symptoms or seeking medical attention at the appropriate healthcare setting."
"While the tool does not dispense medical advice, it helps with navigating the healthcare system," they further added.
The system has been designed in accordance with similar online screening tools already in use in the United States, China and some countries in Europe, but with information specifically catered to the Singaporean public.
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While the checker records participants' responses to collect data to collate information on the different types of users who are worried about COVID-19, it does not ask for any data such as name or IC number to personally identify you.