How Technology Has Impacted COVID-19 for the Better

By: Abhiti Khare

Editors: Ishita Verma and Amisha Papneja

With the world in chaos by virtue of a global pandemic at hand, technology is playing a key role in these unprecedented times. A new normal has emerged amidst social distancing and other preventative measures taken by people around the world. The face-to-face activities previously taken for granted are now being carried out virtually. By definition, technology is the application of (usually scientific) knowledge to invent, innovate, and find solutions via a variety of techniques and skills. Thus, it is natural for people to rely on technology to emerge from a worldwide challenge and still be able to maintain their lifestyle in one way or another. Changes with the help of technology have been made in almost every aspect of human life — from shopping to working from home.

Availability of Information

First and foremost, the Internet has made it straightforward to look up information about different topics, including COVID-19. Even inputting simple keywords on search engines such as Google and Ecosia can yield thousands of results. The easy access to statistics, symptoms of coronavirus, and other data aids in fighting misinformation and keeping people up-to-date. Moreover, information about symptoms online relieves medical professionals of some pressure. To elaborate, panicked calls to hospitals and clinics to ask about minor symptoms are reduced by the availability of those details online, giving medical professionals time to focus on the treatment of sick patients.

False information about fatalities, treatments, policies, etc. contributes to anxiety, panic, and ignorance in a population. This can further lead to panic buying, changes in the stock market, conspiracy theories, and discrimination among many others. Hence, having access to verifiable details allows people to know which steps to take.

Temperature Monitoring

Since having a fever is one of the most prominent symptoms of coronavirus, people with higher temperatures may have contracted the disease. While oral thermometers are efficient at measuring body temperature, they require physical contact, increasing the risk of a potential infection. So, non-contact temperature monitoring devices are being used to determine whether a person has an elevated body temperature.

Businesses commonly use non-contact infrared thermometers or thermal imaging systems (also referred to as infrared telethermographic systems) to measure surface temperatures of employees working in person. Those who have higher temperatures are further tested to confirm infection. If they test positive, they are asked to quarantine and contact tracing takes place.

Although having an increased body temperature does not guarantee a coronavirus infection, it does help prevent further spread of the virus. In addition, non-contact temperature assessment devices need minimal cleaning and measure body temperature quickly, allowing efficiency especially for large groups of people.

Tracking and Analysis

Statistics are crucial to keep the public informed and to determine the intensity of the pandemic in certain locations so efforts can be focused there. Hence, tracking cases, symptoms, and patients of COVID-19 is necessary to stay updated about the gravity of the virus.

Trending and specialized technology have greatly affected the tracking process. For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) allows interactive maps and other information to be linked to real-time databases that update visible data and statistics as information changes. Additionally, big data analytics provides an enormous advantage in quickly identifying infected people. Facial recognition technology, paired with data and CCTV cameras, can be utilized to accurately and efficiently identify as well as track infected people who are quarantined. Doing so can notify public health workers and identify potential infections if a COVID-19 patient does not quarantine properly.

Contact Tracing

Fundamentally, contact tracing is the identification of people who may have come into contact with those infected by a disease. In this case, the lengthy process is carried out to prevent additional transmission of COVID-19. Once someone has tested positive for the virus, public health workers cooperate with the patient to find people who may have come into contact with him/her. Then, they notify the people identified in the tracing process that they may have been exposed to the virus and provide resources and other information for people to get tested. The next steps such as help with symptoms may be offered on a case-by-case basis.

The entire, complicated process uses calls, emails, and even texts to notify those who come into prolonged contact with a patient. Details and statistics about patients are generally stored in databases on computers, making it convenient for information to be viewed and updated. Thus, without the use of technology to track and communicate, contact tracing would be made extremely difficult, and several cases would have been left undetected.

Discovering a Vaccine

One of the ways to curb a pandemic is to develop and use a vaccine for the virus. Nonetheless, it is a complex and time-consuming process with multiple steps and safety guidelines that need to be met. One of the most significant parts of the research is analyzing data about the virus and the infected people. This can provide important clues to develop an effective vaccine.

AI is also an essential factor in the research and discovery of a vaccine. It assists medical professionals and scientists by making suggestions for components of the vaccine. This is done by examining viral protein structures and using information from thousands of research papers. Ultimately, the use of AI is quickening the task of finding a vaccine.

Digital and Contactless Payments

Cash may carry and spread the coronavirus. Therefore, digital and cashless payments are practical alternatives to take precautions. Paying for goods, services, and utilities online is convenient and can be done from anywhere. Contactless payments, in the form of e-wallets and cards, are recommended to flatten the curve of the pandemic.

Online Shopping

To take precautions, families are avoiding grocery stores and other commercial areas. Instead, they are ordering groceries and all additional items online from a variety of marketplaces. Examples include Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Boxed. These websites provide convenience by delivering products to one’s doorstep and reduce the risk of infection at in-person stores.

Still, high-demand products other than grocery items can be found online. For instance, health supplies such as disinfecting wipes, masks, and gloves are restocked and sold out repeatedly.

Robot Deliveries and Autonomous Cars

To reduce the risk of infection by humans, a few places in the world are using robots to deliver groceries and food. These robots, which are primarily used in East Asia, are a newer way to prevent infection. However, the technology is still being improved and is not ready for widespread public use yet. It also lacks a serious amount of funds for implementation. The robots are learning how to navigate properly in the real world, outside of simulations, and without humans always there to help. Nevertheless, with more advancement and funding, robot deliveries could minimize the chances of infection via the delivery of food and groceries significantly.

Autonomous cars could help in transporting patients to and from medical facilities without needing human contact. Even so, self-driving cars face many of the same problems as robots, in terms of availability and funding.

Telecommuting and Online Learning

Laptops, phones, and other devices have enabled people to telecommute and businesses to continue to function. For instance, with the help of technology, parents are able to stay at home with their children and other family members while working from home.

Similarly, technology has allowed students of all ages to learn online. This not only reduces the risk of infection by providing them with an option to stay home but also keeps them connected with their teachers. While virtual school is not equivalent to face-to-face learning in many ways, it is a great alternative. Platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Classroom allow students and teachers to simulate

Furthermore, individuals around the world have been using this quarantine to acquire new skills. Online tutorials have made picking up novel talents a relatively easy task with information at the tip of one’s fingers. The advantages of learning new skills include having a sense of accomplishment and pride, avoiding boredom, and adapting better to change. This is a huge positive in the chaotic international crisis which is the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communication

As humans, everyone feels a need to bond with others in a social setting in some form. However, due to social distancing and quarantine, people are unable to meet and socialize as was customary. Even so, people can connect to their friends and family via video calls, voice calls, and texts.

Apart from connecting with loved ones, technology provides a multitude of opportunities to collaborate with people in a professional setting. Websites and applications such as Google Meet, Monday.com, and Zoom are reinforcements that improve teamwork virtually, allowing companies to operate well especially when people are unable to work in a traditional corporate setting.

Basically, technology-assisted communication has enabled people to socialize and collaborate with others to maintain a lifestyle and/or corporate structure.

Sources

• Non-Contact Temperature Assessment Devices During the COVID-19 Pandemic - fda.gov

• Covid-19: 8 ways in which technology helps pandemic management - cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com

• 10 technology trends to watch in the COVID-19 pandemic - weforum.org

• The global pandemic is pushing technology forward in unexpected ways - medcitynews.com

• Here’s how technology is helping residents during the COVID-19 pandemic - scopeblog.stanford.edu

• Applications of digital technology in COVID-19 pandemic planning and response - thelancet.com

• The Impacts of COVID-19 on Sustainability and Technology - readwrite.com

• Delivery Robots Aren't Ready—When They Could Be Needed Most - wired.com