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FAQ

What kind of data will you collect, and why?

Information about you, your symptoms, heart rate, sleep, steps/activity levels will be collected. This data will be used to help detect and track the spread of COVID-19.

What is the duration of the study?

If you have already had COVID-19, we ask that you fill out a 10-minute survey here. If you have not had COVID-19, we ask that you participate here. The enrollment is the same as the other survey and daily questionnaires are sent out for up to 12 months. If you connect a smartwatch (wearable), we will retrieve 12 months of data historically and 12 months moving forward.

What is the expected time commitment?

The enrollment surveys for both surveys will take roughly 10 minutes. For individuals who have not had COVID-19, the daily surveys should take about 1 minute per day to complete.

Will I be compensated for participating?

Unfortunately, you will not. However, if you have not had COVID and do not currently own a wearable device, you may be eligible to receive a discount code to purchase select Fitbit devices.

Is the study available in other languages?

Yes! It is currently available in Spanish.

Will my data be protected?

Yes, your data will be stored on Duke-approved servers behind a firewall.

Who will see my data?

Only study investigators and the study coordinators will have access to the data files. All data will be stored with a study ID number so that your name will not be associated with your data. All data will be securely stored.

Will my data still remain if I choose to withdraw from the study?

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You can choose not to participate at any point. If you agree to be in the study, you may withdraw at any time for any reason. Please delete the covIdentify app and notify the study staff if you wish to withdraw from the study. After withdrawal, covIdentify staff will no longer contact you or obtain further information in the future, but still has permission to use the information collected previously. You will be instructed to remove the app from your phone.

Your privacy is important to us.

It is our duty to respect your privacy preferences regarding any information we may collect during the course of this study. You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information. If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct study purposes, you may change your mind at any time by contacting us via covidentify@duke.edu. The personal information we collect is stored and processed at Duke University, Durham City, North Carolina, Unites States.

I don’t see my question listed here. Who can I contact for more information? 

Please email us at covidentify@duke.edu