The coronavirus outbreak has altered the daily lives of the masses. Everything from our finances to our family time have turned into something right out of a sci-fi novel. Navigating this unique situation is challenging, especially for those under stay-at-home orders. Luckily, there are numerous apps that can make it easier. Here’s a look at eight helpful apps to navigate the coronavirus outbreak.
Google News or Apple News
Depending on your smartphone platform, Google News or Apple News can each be a wise addition. They don’t cost a dime and ensure you can follow the latest stories. Additionally, you can view news by categories, giving you the ability to focus on specific kinds of information.
Using these services also enables you to track news from numerous sources. You aren’t limited to a single news outlet or online publisher. At times, this can give users a more holistic view of a given situation, as they can review several perspectives from a single app.
Pocketcasts
If you love podcasts, Pocketcasts makes it easy to keep up with your favorites. All of your audio will be in one place, which is incredibly convenient.
Plus, searching for new-to-you podcasts is also a breeze. You can find newscasts from a variety of major publications, including The New York Times, CNBC, and more. It can be a great way to track new information during times when reading isn’t convenient.
Smiling Mind App To Help Navigate The Coronavirus
For many, the coronavirus pandemic has caused their stress levels to skyrocket. The outbreak fundamentally altered daily life and led to widespread unemployment. All of that increases anxiety.
Smiling Mind is a free app that focuses on mindfulness and stress reduction. It has options that can help adults and children navigate daily stresses with greater ease, including meditations.
Marco Polo
Staying connected with loved ones can be challenging during times like these. With Marco Polo, it can be much easier, especially for those who can’t stop to chat at a moment’s notice. The app allows users to record and send video messages. It’s essentially video-chatting, but not in real-time.
The benefit is that people can see the person and then respond with a video message at their leisure. Additionally, messages can be saved, so you can always go back and rewatch your favorites.
CDC
Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has its own app. If you want information that can make keeping your family healthy easier, it’s a great option. The content is all scientific, and automatic updates ensure you have access to critical public health information as soon as possible.
Zoom
This quintessential video conferencing software for business is also great for personal use. Setting up private calls is a breeze, and downloading it is completely free. Plus, the group video meetings can support up to 100 participants at once. That’s a ton of capacity.
COVID Symptom Tracker
If you want to help track the spread of the coronavirus, get tips on how to slow it down, or get local area estimates, COVID Symptom Tracker can help you do just that. Plus, you can provide details that can help the healthcare system track the pandemic and prepare, ensuring areas can request the right equipment when it’s needed.
User data gives scientists a leg up in the fight against the coronavirus. Additionally, the information you provide could ensure that others who may be at risk are identified sooner, supporting earlier intervention.
Doctor on Demand
Virtual doctor visits help keep communities safer, reducing the risk to patients, physicians, and others in the local area. Doctor on Demand makes virtual appointments simple. You can get urgent care assistance, emotional support, and care for chronic conditions. Even preventative health concerns can be addressed, all from the comfort of your home.
Doctor on Demand takes a wide variety of insurance. Additionally, those without insurance only pay a $75 flat fee for medical (not including psychiatric) visits.
Can you think of any other apps to navigate the coronavirus outbreak? If so, tell us about them in the comments below.
Read More:
- Saving Money During the Coronavirus Outbreak
- Guide to Mortgage Relief During Coronavirus Outbreak
- Changes to Law During Coronavirus to Help People Nearing Retirement
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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