A Hungarian web developer has launched a free app that could revolutionize the way we track and contain the spread of COVID-19. The app, named VirusContact, enables individuals who test positive for the virus to anonymously notify everyone they’ve come into contact with over the previous two weeks—including strangers.
“If you become infected, you would tell your family and friends. But this way, you can tell everybody you’ve crossed paths with,” explained VirusContact CEO Krisztian Werderits.
VirusContact utilizes Bluetooth technology to record close encounters with other users within a 10-meter radius who also have Bluetooth enabled. It logs the time and location of each encounter, ensuring privacy by not collecting personal data. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can simply press a button within the app to send an alert to all recorded contacts from the past 14 days.
Addressing Community Transmission
Community transmission of COVID-19 poses a significant challenge for health authorities worldwide. Once the virus begins to spread within communities, it becomes increasingly difficult to monitor and control. Many countries have implemented strict movement restrictions to curb this spread, but innovative solutions like VirusContact offer an additional layer of defense.
Public health policy experts in Hungary have welcomed the app as a valuable tool in the fight against the pandemic. By empowering individuals to take proactive measures, VirusContact could enhance contact tracing efforts and help slow the virus’s spread.
Privacy Concerns and Global Perspectives
While the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the potential benefits of digital contact tracing tools, it urges caution regarding privacy and data security. VirusContact addresses these concerns by not collecting personal information or tracking user identities. All notifications are sent anonymously, respecting users’ privacy while promoting public health.
The introduction of VirusContact comes at a critical time as countries around the world continue to battle new waves of COVID-19 infections. By leveraging technology and community cooperation, innovative solutions like this app could play a crucial role in global efforts to manage the pandemic.
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Free app will alert all previous passers-by if you later test positive
cgtn.com
