Comparison Matrix - COVID PreCheck App vs Daily Symptom Assessment Apps

Daily Self-assessment Test includes symptom assessment, a check for exposure, and if a health agency has been in contact.

Daily Symptom Assessment Apps

Most apps only include symptom assessment which is not adequate

Panel of physicians and infectious disease continuously monitor CDC guidelines and keep symptom assessment and exposure criteria up to date.

Usually done once, when the app is launched. To keep the symptom assessment uptodate, coordination between app developers and medical staff is required on a continuous basis. Criteria for symptom assessment are added or changed frequently.

History of COVID PreCheck status of each user is securely maintained on a cloud based system which is HIPAA compliant. If allowed by the user, it can be verified that the user has completed the Daily Self-assessment Test.

It is unclear if history is maintained or if there is a way to verify if the user has taken the daily symptom assessment. COVID test results and status are protected under HIPAA. Many institutions may not be equipped to comply with HIPAA requirements.

Results are only accessible when user allows a secure QR-code on their phone to be scanned i.e. explicit permission given by the user.

It is not clear if the user can show proof that they have taken the daily symptom assessment test.

User's personal QR-code is only valid for 24 hours to prevent fraud and provide an additional level of security for the user and the institution.

It is not clear if the user even knows what happens to the results of the daily symptom assessment test.

COVID PreCheck is a web application which means it can be accessed through other apps that the user may already be using. There is nothing new to download for the user and minimum integration is required with existing apps to take advantage of COVID PreCheck.

User interactions are encrypted and stored on private servers owned by Apple and Google.

Users can opt to use COVID PreCheck in social settings with small groups of people where there is no scanning for QR-codes, but they still want to show AND see proof of COVID PreCheck status using a Virtual Handshake. COVID PreCheck works holistically and takes into account a user's complete lifestyle - professional, campus, personal, and social.

Most apps don't have a utility outside of the campus or institution which publishes the app. Unfortunately, this virus knows no boundaries.

COVID PreCheck status is not limited to just a daily Self-assessment Test. It can also include results of a rapid test or a PCR test or a serology test for antibodies. It can even include a status that is updated by a licensed healthcare professional.

Most apps are limited to sending reminders and providing a way for users to check for daily symptoms.

The app is free for the users including the ability to do Virtual Handshake with other users. Businesses and Universities can pay per use for scanning the COVID PreCheck status of their employees and students.

Daily Symptom Assessment Apps are free as well but have limited functionality. Also, there may not be an efficient way to scan the status of the user with their permission without violating their privacy.

Comparison Matrix - Virtual Handshake with COVID PreCheck App Vs Contact tracing Apps

Virtual Handshake with
Contact Tracing Apps
Covid-PreCheck-app-Coparison-Icon-20

Appropriate for meetings and get togethers in smaller groups where participants are more likely to know each other e.g. conference rooms, meetings, backyard barbeques

Appropriate for large communities (Cities, States, Countries) to track Citizens infected with COVID-19

Objective is to create safe spaces by ensuring people nearby do not have symptoms or have come in contact with someone who is infected or have been cleared by their physician to return to work/community

Objective is to anonymously or non-anonymously identify spreaders and warn people who might have come in contact with the infected person for further testing or quarantine (if the infected person voluntarily reports infection)

Self-initiated by people with a desire to ensure their safety and safety of others around them. Use is not sponsored or mandated by any government. App is available on https://citizen.covidprechecks.app

Apps are based on technology made available by Apple and Google. Apps are released by Federal, State and Local governments on App Stores. In some countries Citizens may be mandated to use the app

User participation is completely optional. Users are unlikely to participate in social settings and use Virtual Handshake if diagnosed with COVID-19 infection

In US users have to opt-in to participate and when diagnosed with infection they have to voluntarily disclose they are infected. In other countries such choices may not exist

Does not use Bluetooth technology. No download required. Uses location services with user permission

Uses Bluetooth technology and requires app download

No user interactions are stored on servers. When users stop sharing their location they are forgotten

User interactions are encrypted and stored on private servers owned by Apple and Google

For businesses which want to verify if their employees have COVID PreCheck, they can scan a QR-code on an employee's phone instead of using VIrtual Handshake

Unclear how businesses can use contact tracing based on Apple and Google technology. Even if they mandate their own employees to use contact tracing app they have no control over who the employee comes in contact with outside the organization

No minimum adoption requirements. Virtual Handshake can even be done between two people

Requires at least 60% adoption for contract tracing to be meaningful and effective