Technology In A Pandemic
The Covid 19 crisis is the worst pandemic of the 21st-century and is by no means over. One surprising aspect to emerge from these trying times, however, is the positive impact that technology has had and can have on limiting the spread of a virus, and assisting with minimising the impacts of a pandemic, whether via apps to track and trace the spread of a virus to infrared thermal cameras that can spot someone with a fever. So what are the advantages of technology during a pandemic and how might technology be used to help in a future crisis? Here are just a few innovations that can assist social distancing strategies and help scientists learn more about how a virus is spread.
Apps
Apps for smartphones and other devices can be used in many ways. Tracking apps can determine whether you have come into contact with anyone with the virus. Apps can also help companies in overcoming business challenges. Mobile access control apps, such as those offered by KBO, only allow those who work on the premise to gain access without breaking the two-metre distance, thus supporting social distancing strategies. Payment apps have been popular with business and consumers for a while and were used widely across pubs even before the coronavirus. Could be used more widely in pubs and hospitality to prevent queuing at tills and putting employees at risk.
Cameras
Installing more CCTV cameras can help determine who has been in ‘high-risk’ areas, can be used in conjunction with apps. CCTV cameras are also an effective way of keeping sites more secure when more employees are working from home. Infrared thermal cameras are often used in airports to detect to see if people have a temperature that is different to average. Thermal cameras could also be installed at the entrance of workplaces so that any abnormalities can be flagged and double-checked before putting colleagues and customers/clients at risk. how does a virus spread from person to person.
Face Recognition
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries turned to facial recognition technology as a way of limiting the spread of the virus by tracking quarantine breakers or even assessing the raised temperatures of potentially infected individuals in public crowds. Face recognition access control means that security is not compromised, as only those authorised to enter can enter. This means that doormen or security personnel are not required, further overcoming business challenges in challenging economic times. The fact that ‘touch’ isn’t involved in order to enter means that the spread of the virus is also limited.
Hands-Free Door Openers
A virus can often live on surfaces and infect those that touch it over a long time period. Doors are a hot spot for bacteria in general, and this is even more harmful given the looming possibility of contracting the virus. Hands-free door openers reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the virus – in fact, all viruses that can survive on objects, not just Covid-19.
Wearable Devices
Although everyone is aware of the need for social distance, it may sometimes be difficult to remember when going about your daily tasks at work. These devices buzz when two employees break the two-metre distance, which acts as a constant reminder. Researchers are also starting to use Fitbits and Apple watches to collate real-time patient data of the progress of the disease by constantly monitoring the fluctuations of biomarkers.
