ALMOST 3,000 people in Reading have reported coronavirus symptoms, according to a new tracking app.
Researchers have designed an online app, called Covid Symptom Tracker, to study the symptoms of the virus and track how it spreads.
They hope it can help to better understand symptoms, understand how fast the virus is spreading, identify high risk areas, and identify who is most at risk by better understanding symptoms linked to health conditions.
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It relies on people contributing and adding their coronavirus symptoms.
In Reading, 2,996 people have uploaded data, including any symptoms they have experienced.
An estimated 1.1 per cent were reportedly symptomatic with Covid-19.
There are, however, caveats that must be considered when assessing the data as the app relies completely on self-reporting.
The research behind the app is led by Dr Tim Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London.
The not-for-profit app has been designed by doctors and scientists at King's College, Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals working in partnership with ZOE Global Ltd – a health science company.
Dr Spector said: “These are worrying times for everyone. The more of the public that also use the app, the better the real-time data we will have to combat the outbreak in this country.”
In Reading there are currently 307 cases confirmed as of April 19 at 3:13pm.
The first person to pass away having tested positive for the virus in the UK died at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) and had underlying health conditions.
Just last week, a consultant and father of two, Dr Peter Tun, 62, passed away at RBH’s intensive care unit after contracting coronavirus.
READ MORE: Royal Berkshire Hospital pays tribute to doctor who died after contracting coronavirus.
He has been remembered as a “superhero dad” by his children.
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