New smartphone app gives Albertans access to virtual health care during COVID-19 pandemic

Albertans are being offered a new tool for getting medical advice without having to go to a doctor's officean option that's suddenly become more desirable amid the COVID-19 emergency.

Using the downloadable app Babylon, developed by Telus Health, Albertans can now meet with licensed physicians in one-on-one video consultations through their smartphone, the province said in a release Thursday.

The app can be used to check symptoms including those of COVID-19 book appointments, see a doctorand get prescriptions and referrals, all coveredunderAlberta's publichealth-care insurance.

Health Minister Tyler Shandrosays the joint initiative with Telus Health comes at a time when the health system is asking people to self-isolate as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Using this app is an alternative to visiting physicians face-to-face when you're not sure if your symptoms are related to the novel coronavirus or at any other time," he said.

The service is already being offered in British Columbia.