Tech Companies Join Forces With WHO and the White House

News on COVID-19 will not stop in the near future. This week, Apple and the White House said they worked together to release an app and website that will direct users to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on the effects of COVID-19. The app, which will be available under the name ‘COVID-19,’ will ask users questions about symptoms, location and risk factors and then provide the appropriate up-to-date guidance from the CDC, White House officials said.

Following its footsteps, the World Health Organization (WHO) partnered with Facebook, Microsoft and several other tech companies for a hackathon to promote the development of software to take on challenges related to the pandemic. The #BuildforCOVID19 project will begin accepting project submissions. The social network said use of its platforms has surged during the virus outbreak but added that it is also seeing a weakening of its ad sales business.

More news below:

• Facebook said Independent Director Jeffrey Zients would not seek reelection on the board. Former Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt will take Zients' place on the social media giant's board.

• Apple is considering delaying the launch of its next iPhone by months, according to a report on the Nikkei Asian Review. That comes amid supply chain disruptions and falling customer demand due to the virus outbreak.

• Global smartphone sales tumbled 14 percent in February as COVID-19 spread in China and overseas, Counterpoint Research said on Thursday. Smartphone makers are facing new supply chain disruptions as more countries impose lockdown orders.

• An international group of nearly 400 volunteers with expertise in cybersecurity formed the COVID-19 CTI League to fight hacks against medical facilities.