Wired into the pandemic
Updated On: 16 March, 2020 05:19 AM IST | Dalreen Ramos
Google and Apple have cracked down on coronavirus-related mobile applications that aren't developed by recognised institutions. We scoured the app store to find four apps that prove to be useful
Named after the spikes that jut out of their surface, like a crown or the sun's corona, the coronavirus has sparked tons of misinformation. Keeping this in mind or the profit that could be created from it via ads on mobile applications, Apple and Google have been strictly evaluating the apps that make it to their stores. Searching for the subject or keywords on Apple's App Store reveals few relevant results while on Google's Play Store reveals nothing unless you search for the specific title. Here's what we found after we gave them a workout.
Corona Tracker
Using data from The Center For Systems Science and Engineering at John Hopkins, the app conveys the intensity of the virus through pie charts, line graphs and bar diagrams.
What worked: An extremely well-designed application, it offers a split screen showcasing a global map and statistics at the bottom. The map is dynamic ie figures related to COVID-19 cases can be drawn out for every country and split into three categories: confirmed, recovered and deaths.
What didn't work: Even though the app shows that it's updating figures each time you log out, the total for India stood at 82 so it isn't updating in real-time. Plus, apart from statistics, there's no real utility to it for common people.
5/10
Log on to App Store
GoK - Direct Kerala
ADVERTISEMENT
Poll
Who will win the Punjab Elections?

An initiative by the state government of Kerala, this app includes general information, guidelines for travellers, a quarantine protocol and advice for those visiting the state.
What worked: Although hyper-local, the app does give you detailed information on how to go about navigating day-to-day life in this scenario; we spotted an eight-step guide on how to wash your hands effectively, including how you need to ensure that the soap gets in between the fingers.
What didn't work: Most of the content is in Malayalam, although it can be easily translated outside the app. It doesn't offer a great user experience and there's a glitch-ridden
'category' tab.
6/10
Log on to Play Store
COVID-19 Tracker
![]()
A top result on the Apple store, this app has been developed by HealthLynked and draws from data reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
What worked: The tracking map is well organised and divides the total number of cases into the following categories: WHO confirmed, WHO deaths, Asymptomatic, Symptomatic and Self-Reported Positive. There's also a Feeds tab which shows you virus-related news from around the world.
What didn't work: The count of infected cases in India stood at 84, which it reflected in its tracker, but the number of cases in Mumbai stood at two, which was incorrect at the time of going to press.
6.5/10
Log on to App Store
COVA

Developed by the state government of Punjab, COVA (Corona Virus Alert) has been created in consultation with the Health and Family Welfare Department.
What worked: Sign up with your phone number and the home page displays a real-time counter for Punjab, which can be disappointing for Mumbaikars. But there's so much more in store — a symptom checklist, informational charts in English, Hindi and Punjabi, travelling instructions and prevention products. The interface is also well done. Now, if only the Maharashtra Government could take a cue. What didn't work: The counter should have included neighbouring states, top.
8/10
Log on to App Store, Play Store
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
Tags
Trending Stories
Latest Web Stories
Latest Photos
06 August, 2026 08:34 PM IST | In Photos: Hiroshima Day Silent Peace March 2026
Preshit Deorukhkar
17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break
Asif Ali Sayed
Latest Videos
ADVERTISEMENT
Mid-day Fast
Latest Headlines
23 August, 2026 09:06 AM IST | mid-day online correspondent
20 August, 2026 09:25 PM IST | mid-day online correspondent
19 August, 2026 07:14 PM IST | Makepeace Sitlhou
19 August, 2026 11:50 AM IST | Test Tushar