Elderly New Yorkers can determine their risk for contracting COVID-19 thanks to a new online tool from the State’s Office for the Aging. It’s called CV-19 Check-up, and allows you to put in anonymous information to see how likely you are to become infected, and how severe the infection can progress.
Aging Office Director Greg Olsen entered his age of 50, no-existing health problems, and that he takes COVID safety protocols very seriously.
“When I put that data into the system, I have a 22% percent chance of hospitalization and a 1% chance of dying, very, very sober. Then it provides me with recommendations on how I can reduce my risk.”
Someone older with more health concerns or exposure would have a much higher risk for hospitalization or death. The tool was designed by Bell Age that uses technology to help people age better. BellAge Innovation Officer Jim Firman sites two benefits.
“It gives millions of individuals the information they need to take action and secondly, it generates population level data to help government public health official foundations and others understand where the problems are and how to target solutions.”
The online tool then gives you suggestions about programs or services that could help. Olsen from the Office of Aging says he wants to counter misinformation and give people suggestions they can use.
“We’re going to have less people getting sick, less people entering the hospital, less stress on the hospital system, which was a major concern. Better outcomes for individuals in the community, better ability for people to continue to live independently; It can get us back to a sense of normalcy; It can provide the supports that people need in a very, very difficult time. “
Both Olsen and Firman emphasize the information is anonymous; a user never enters any personal data other than zip code to factor in infection rates. They add, even though the tool was designed for older New Yorkers, people of any age can take it to get useful information to limit spread of the virus.
You can find the online COVID Risk assessment at: NewYork.CV19Checkup.org
