Support and FAQ

Is Going Around free?

Yes. Going Around is free to download and use on Mac and iPhone.

What do I need to run it?

The Mac app needs macOS 15 or later. The iPhone app needs iOS 26 or later. There is no Android app or dedicated iPad app.

How do I install it on my Mac?

Download the Mac app, open the zip file and move Going Around to your Applications folder. When you first open it, allow Location access so it can show your area. It appears in the menu bar and updates itself. To check right away, choose Check for Updates in the app.

I used Airborne. Is this the same app?

Yes. Airborne was renamed Going Around in October 2026. Existing installs update to Going Around and keep their settings and data.

Can I use it in a browser?

The web version is in a private beta. Testers receive a username and password and can sign in here.

Why don’t I see data for my area?

Going Around needs Location access to find your state and county.

iPhone: open the Settings app, then choose Apps, Going Around and Location. Select While Using the App. Approximate location is enough.

Mac: open System Settings, then choose Privacy & Security and Location Services. Turn on Location Services and Going Around. A Mac needs Wi-Fi turned on to find its location.

Can I use the iPhone app without sharing my location?

Yes. Without location access, the iPhone app shows national data, and the map is still available.

Why is some data missing for my county?

Not every program reports for every county. When local data aren’t available, some measures appear for your state, your HHS region or the whole country instead. Each reading shows the area it covers.

What is a local reporting area?

On the map, local areas are CDC health service areas, which usually cover a few counties.

Does it work outside the United States?

Local data cover US states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Going Around has no local data for other places.

Which illnesses does it follow?

COVID-19, flu, RSV, acute respiratory illness, rhinovirus/enterovirus, HMPV, parainfluenza, seasonal coronaviruses, adenovirus, norovirus, pertussis, measles, mpox and avian flu (H5). Available measures vary by illness and place.

Where does the data come from?

Going Around uses public data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Delphi Epidata at Carnegie Mellon University, and public forecast hubs. Depending on the illness, readings can include wastewater levels, emergency department visits, hospital admissions, lab test positivity and reported cases. Going Around is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CDC or Carnegie Mellon University.

Why is the data a week or more old?

Public health data are usually published weekly and can lag by a week or two. Every reading shows the date behind it.

Why did a number change?

Public health agencies can revise reports as more information comes in. Going Around shows the latest version it has downloaded.

What if the app doesn’t update?

If a data source is slow or unavailable, Going Around shows the last data it downloaded and tries again. Check your internet connection and reopen the app. On a Mac, you can also choose Refresh Now in the app. If the problem continues, contact support.

Can Going Around tell me whether I’m sick or at risk?

No. It summarizes public surveillance data for general information. It doesn’t give medical advice, and it doesn’t diagnose, treat or predict illness for any person. For medical concerns, contact a health care professional.

Are the forecasts predictions for my area?

Forecasts come from public forecast hubs and are labeled as forecasts. They are available only for some illnesses and places, and they don’t predict what will happen to any individual.

What does the iPhone app collect?

The developer doesn’t collect any data from the iPhone app. It has no account, sign-in, ads, analytics or tracking. Your location is used while the app is open to find your state and county. Read the privacy policy for details.

Will I get notifications about illness?

No. The iPhone app doesn’t send notifications. The Mac app can send optional weather alerts for a saved home location, but not illness notifications.