Go Corona! Corona Go! We’re all familiar with this phrase, aren’t we?
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus known as (SARS)-CoV-2.
To help lighten the tense situation caused by the ‘deadly’ COVID-19 pandemic, people across the world have created songs, memes, jingles and what not!
However, with over 10 million people infected by Coronavirus worldwide, countries decided to declare war on this novel virus to get rid of it ASAP. But, with no so good results, Govts & healthcare authorities decided to come up with new ways to tackle the invisible enemy!
To help protect people & get the country back on its feet, software developers have contributed in the best way they can! THEY BUILT APPS!
Since COVID-19 can be transmitted through close proximity, health care authorities have found contact tracing to be a valuable source to help contain the spread. And this is where the Bluetooth-enabled contact-tracing Apps can come in handy.
When I heard of the Aarogya Setu App, I wondered how a mobile App can aid the fight against Covid-19.
So, just to tell you what does the App does; it helps you assess the risk of catching the virus by updating you about those affected in close proximity to you during past 15 days. Users can also alert authorities if they come in contact with a person infected with COVID-19.
Though many have complained about the App regarding its privacy issue, GOI has assured that personal data is collected by the App was encrypted using state-of-the-art-technology keeping the data safe in one’s phone, hence, making it mandatory for everyone to install.
How does the App work?
After you download the App, the user needs to update his/her COVID status through self-assessment. It then tells you if you’re safe or not. Through Bluetooth, it further determines if you have come in close proximity with an infected person. If so, it then notifies you and urges you to get tested & self-isolate to keep you safe.
Singapore was the first country to have implemented contact-tracing through Bluetooth-enabled App called ‘Trace Together.’ India’s Aarogya Setu App functions in a similar fashion.
Not only Singapore & India but, Israel, China, Germany, UK, South Korea are also using similar Apps to contain the spread of this deadly contagion.
Here’s a list of a few of them:
This App has been developed in collaboration with Stanford University. Like any other Bluetooth-enabled App, this App also detects if you have come in close proximity with an infected person. One of its distinguishing features is that no third party, including the government will be able to track any information.
This App was launched by the Health Ministry of Isreal. It uses contact-tracing to help curb the spread of the virus.
A German smartwatch App that monitors the spread of Coronavirus by collecting ones pulse rate, body temperature and sleep patterns to check if one has developed any symptoms. Its results are portrayed on an online interactive map making it possible for healthcare authorities to identify hotspots.
Covid Symptom Tracker
This App is used to track high-risk areas in the UK. Designed by doctors and researchers, it is GDPR complaint and the data collected is used for healthcare research purposes only.
NHS Smartphone App
The App also tracks how the virus spreads. This contact-tracing App is developed by the National Health Service, which is a publicly funded national healthcare system of England.
LetsBeatCOVID.net is developed by MedShr, an App used by doctors in diagnostics. IT is designed for people to fill an anonymous survey about their health and exposure to COVID-19.
Developed by Indonesian Communications & Information Ministry and State-Owned Enterprises Ministry, this Bluetooth enabled Applets its users compile data related to the spread of COVID-19 in their communities, further helping the Govt to track infected persons.
Kwarantana Dommowa (Home Quarantine)
In its fight to combat the pandemic, Poland has developed an App where users are asked to upload selfies to pinpoint their exact locations. It is mandatory for everyone who have developed coronavirus symptoms.
The biggest limitation for these Apps is that not everyone downloads them. For the Apps to deliver successful results, it needs the support of the people. Researchers believe that contact-tracing, through these Apps will be effective only in those countries where mass testing is being practiced.
Stay indoors. Safe. Follow Social Distancing and chant, ‘ Go Corona, Corona Go!’ (or not)