In this digital era, technology has been incorporated in almost everything in all sections of life and industries medical, transport, manufacturing, sports, communication, and engineering among others.
With the outbreak of the epidemic that is Coronavirus in China that has already claimed over 1000 lives and slowly spreading to other countries, the government of China has employed technology to tackle the virus and try to contain it.
Hours ago, a new mobile application named “Close contact detector” has been launched by the Chinese government and hope users can use it to check themselves and see if they have been exposed to the deadly virus, and seek medical attention thereof.
Jointly developed by government departments and the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation and supported by data from health and transport authorities, the app tells users if they have been near a person who has been confirmed or suspected of having the virus.
All users need is to register for the app is their name, phone number and ID. Users will then be prompted to scan a QR Code on their smartphones using apps like the Alipay or social media platform WeChat. The app is currently only available in China.
This is what the app encompasses as ‘close contact’:
- People who work closely together, share a classroom, or live in the same home.
- Medical staff, family members or other people who have been in close contact with patients and their caregivers.
- Passengers and crew who have been on planes, trains and other forms of transport with an infected person.
Uganda has no confirmed Coronavirus infections although 100 suspects are under quarantine and close monitoring by the Ministry of Health.