Technology - A new member in the Battle against COVID 19

How countries are combatting COVID 19 and utilising innovative methods using technology

Adhrit

Since the possibility of developing a vaccine for Coronavirus seems bleak, until the end of the year, governments around the world have created strictly foreign and domestic policy changes. They have employed innovative methods to curb the spread of COVID-19. Many countries declared lockdowns in order to prevent their citizens from gathering in mass groups and to prevent the spread of the virus through contact. Italy tightened its lockdown, even banning "outdoor physical and leisure activities," such as jogging. Those who want to travel for valid work or family-related reasons need distinct permission. Tunisia is imposing harsher lockdowns — including a 6 pm to 6 am public curfew enforced by the military. Dubai went into a two-week lockdown on April 4 wherein citizens were only allowed to leave their homes for essential purposes — and only one family member at a time was allowed to leave. Peru implemented gendered quarantine regulations. Men could leave their homes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and women could leave their homes Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Everyone would stay home on Sunday. Panama passed similar measures.

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However, since the lockdown has begun to be lifted, the risk of infection has increased significantly. Many countries have begun to utilise technology to encourage social distancing, track patients and those who they have been in contact with. Countries, like Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore, are tracking citizens through geolocation services on their mobile phones. Singapore is also monitoring the temperature of the travellers, along with people entering high trafficked locations such as schools and restaurants. Poland is asking citizens to download a government app called "Home Quarantine," and responding to the app's requests for geo-located selfies at certain times. The police would be alerted if a user fails to comply within 20 minutes. Some hospitals in Thailand are using modified "ninja robots" to help with treating coronavirus patients. These wheeled robots take the temperatures of patients' and are equipped with a screen, allowing doctors to video chat with patients and minimise the risk of exposure.

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To conclude, in these changing times, technology has started to play a larger role in our world. This pandemic will bring changes in the healthcare system, and really make countries reflect on their policies of minimising infections. It will also make people aware of maintaining basic hygiene such as washing their hands.

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