With the spike in Covid-19 cases in the recent weeks, the virus has grown into a global pandemic, plaguing many countries and causing over 2 million infections. The evolution of technology has changed the way government and citizens respond and adapt to pandemic situations as compared to the past. Given that we live in the digital age, it has opened many doors of technological opportunities for us and hence, enable us to better manage and deal with the Covid-19 situation. There are existing technological tools that countries have already tapped on as well as future advancements that the world is looking at to better facilitate our response to this situation.
In this article, we will be exploring how countries are leveraging on technology to combat Covid-19.
People Tracking Solutions:
Various government authorities across the world have tapped on technological tools such as tracking mobile applications and wearables. By doing so, it has changed the way of how people are being tracked. Traditionally, the process of contact tracing and making sure everyone abides by the quarantine rules was tedious and time consuming.
Technology such as GPS tracking and Bluetooth has paved the way for easier contact tracing. With tracking mobile apps and wearables, the government can now identify those who are in close contact with infected cases and contact those who are at high risk of infection effectively and efficiently.
On the other hand, companies are looking into the possible technological advancements of wearables that can help to solve the issue of making sure that citizens do not flout the stay home notice or quarantine rules. They are exploring the use of Bluetooth and IoT concepts installed at homes to ensure that those under quarantine are staying within a certain proximity. This idea may be under incubation but as we forecast into the future, it is likely to become a successful idea. If successful, it has the potential to boost the efficiency of enforcement and monitoring processes and in turn, cut down on manpower costs for government authorities.
An increasing amount of fleet operators are turning to technology for solutions to address the above challenges. This is a result of the fast paced nature of technology proliferation where data is currency. Modern businesses today rely heavily on the rich data they can derive from smart platforms and devices to aid their decision making process. Adopters of solutions are able to recognize the full benefits of having data at their fingertips to streamline operations with the goal of saving costs while increasing productivity.
In the context of motorised vehicles, a fleet management system becomes indispensable for businesses. Here we explore the key features of a fleet management system and how they can have a positive impact on businesses.
Supply Chain Tracking:
Government authorities and suppliers of critical supplies are taking the delivery of these goods very seriously especially in this current pandemic situation. They need to ensure that deliveries are made on time, goods are secured so that medical staff and citizens can use it readily in this crucial period.
In order to step up their efforts in ensuring that critical supplies are delivered securely, they tapped onto the existing concepts of assets tracking solutions to meet the needs of the current situation. Now that masks, medical equipment and sanistisers are tracked and traced, they are more able to gain visibility of these assets.
Furthermore, given that those making critical supplies deliveries are more likely to be exposed to the risk of the infection, it is of great importance to track and trace the delivery trucks. By using track and trace mobile apps, it allows government authorities and companies to quickly identify truck drivers and delivery staff that have been to delivery points that have Covid-19 infections. As such, relevant authorities can take the appropriate measures immediately and help to contain the spread of the virus in an efficient manner.
Robotics Technology:
Instead of having people sterilise infected areas, deliver medical supplies to hospitals and food to quarantined citizens which would expose them to greater risks of contracting the virus, robots and drones can now take over.
China has gotten more autonomous robots and drones to deliver medical supplies to hospitals and meals to those who are quarantined to contain the spread. Also, robots are used in China to sterilise hospitals and infected locations. These robots emit UV light to kill viruses and bacteria without exposing human personnel to infection.
Communication Technology:
Many countries have imposed a lockdown and citizens have to work and school from home to ensure safe distancing and curb the spread of Covid-19. We are very fortunate to be living in a digital age which has enabled working and schooling from home possible. Work and school can continue smoothly despite the sudden shift of everything online.
There are a wide variety of free and paid communication platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Team that facilitates conferences and meetings to allow businesses to continue their daily operations. As for schools, they are conducting home-based learning through live lectures via Google Classrooms and portals to upload assignments and tests for students.
Conclusion:
All in all, the digitalisation of contact tracing process, use of robotics and working at home with the use of technology are crucial in supporting the efforts of combating the spread of Covid-19.
If you are interested to find out more how technology can help to combat Covid-19, do check out Ascent’s track and trace Covid-19 solutions that facilitate seamless contact tracing and ensure that stay home notices are abided by citizens.
Jasmine Goh April 16, 2020 4:32 pm
