COVID-19-Apps and their use in the pandemic

By Shannon Flynn

Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland has proved to be challenging. While it has by no means conquered the virus, its infection rate is minuscule compared to some other nations.

Technology, specifically smartphones, has played a central role in keeping numbers relatively low.

Today, there’s an app for everything, from ordering food to managing your taxes. In some countries, apps can help people know if they might’ve contacted someone with COVID-19.

These services are helping Ireland fight the pandemic and could help other areas with more severe outbreaks as well.

App-Based Contact Tracing

On July 7, the Health Service Executive (HSE) launched COVID Tracker, which 37% of Irish adults downloaded within a week.

The app alerts users if someone they contacted recently tests positive for COVID-19. That way, they can quarantine before showing symptoms, ensuring they don’t spread it to anyone else.

COVID Tracker relies on Google and Apple’s Exposure Notifications System to enable communication between phones.

This joint project uses Bluetooth to exchange data between nearby phones without needing users to open an app. It also uses random IDs that change periodically to keep everyone’s privacy intact.

On top of providing these notifications, COVID Tracker gives users information about coronavirus in Ireland.

Users can look at infection statistics, how many users have reported symptoms, and input data about how they’re feeling. Within its first two weeks, the app was already starting to detect cases of COVID-19.

Ireland’s Ongoing Battle With COVID-19

COVID Tracker has only been around for just over a month, so its results aren’t clear yet. It may take more than an app to defeat coronavirus in Ireland, though. Throughout the pandemic, the country’s had some ups and downs concerning its cases.

Early on, Ireland’s movement restrictions helped slow the spread of the virus. Recently, though, daily infection rates have reached their highest point since May as restrictions have lifted.

Incoming travelers from other countries may also have a hand to play in the rising case rate.

The government requires international visitors to isolate for 14 days, but authorities don’t always enforce this rule.

In response, many tourists ignore it, potentially spreading COVID-19 to Irish residents. Since COVID Tracker is exclusive to Ireland, contract tracing between residents and tourists is far more challenging.

COVID-Fighting Apps Beyond Ireland

While COVID Tracker is a specifically Irish app, Ireland isn’t the only country with a service like it. NearForm, the tech company that built COVID Tracker, is talking to other countries about making international versions of the app. The U.K. and some U.S. states are among those interested in the technology.

Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and Italy have also released contact tracing apps since the outbreak started. These apps show varying degrees of success, though, primarily because they only work if enough people download them. Still, technology has great potential for helping the world fight the effects of COVID-19.

On top of keeping infection rates low, modern tech can help people deal with other sides of the pandemic. AI could add as much as 16% to the global GDP by 2030, which is particularly advantageous given the worldwide recession. Companies can use technology to help recover from COVID-related economic trouble.

Makes Weathering the Pandemic Feasible

No one would argue that the COVID-19 outbreak has been easy on the world. Without modern technology like smartphones, though, it could have been a lot worse. Thanks to technology, some nations have been able to get a better grasp on the virus.
It will take more than a smartphone app to eradicate the virus. That doesn’t mean these apps aren’t helpful, though. With tools like COVID Tracker, the world stands a fighting chance against the pandemic.

About the author

Shannon Flynn is a technology writer and Managing Editor for ReHack.com. She contributes to sites like Innovation & Tech Today, Re-Work, and VGR. To see more from Shannon, follow ReHack on Twitter.

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