Technology has come a long way in simplifying a lot of work for us. A lot of things we had to do manually are now doable with a few buttons. For instance, purchasing goods can now be done online quickly.
With the rise of COVID-19 cases, technology has also played a role in containing it. For example, you can order a lateral flow test in Bristol with just a few clicks on your phone. Ordering lateral flow tests for schools is also easy, as you don’t have to go through the hassle of going to medical centres manually and getting them.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other ways technology has contributed to the fight against COVID-19. Below are some of the roles digital technology has played in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence comes with a lot of analytical power and excellent computing performance. All this can be an asset in detecting the patterns of how COVID spreads. This helps public sectors monitor the spread and have strategic response strategies on standby. Robots operate by artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry and tools that come into contact with COVID-19 patients. This ensures that human interaction is limited to avoid any further spread.
Quick Sift Through Medical Studies
Over 40,000 medical studies are available courtesy of various data hubs. AI researchers have the privilege of analysing the data and finding new insights. As a result, it is one of the largest collections of the latest machine-readable literature, making it possible to discover more about symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Limits Personal Contact
Worldwide bans on non-essential travel have been a significant inconvenience for many. However, despite it, people still try to get home to their families or to get medical care. Moreover, thanks to technology, electronic documentation these days reduces personal contact. For example, you no longer have to get your physical passport stamped everywhere you stop.
Help in Predicting Infection
Even though the data on COVID is limited, the researchers and specialists from Stanford are working on tech devices that will help predict viral infection using data sent to the cloud. For example, there have been talks of a partnership between Fitbit and Scripps research that will incorporate smartwatch data to help access the skin temperature and heart rate, which will tell you if someone’s body is fighting the virus.
Warning Apps and National Contact
These can be voluntarily installed and be helpful in warning users who are even across borders to let them know if they have been in contact with someone with COVID-19. Should there be an alert, the app will help provide relevant information directly from the authorities. This advice may be like getting tested or isolating yourself to prevent the further spread of the virus. If the apps adhere to EU rules and are well-coordinated, they can be instrumental in managing crises. They also help to prevent further transmission.
Conclusion
With technology ever-growing, there are new ways that further make things much easier for us. As far as COVID is concerned, new methods are developed daily to reduce the virus transmission rate. Modern technology is also helping develop new treatments and prevention methods.
