Recently, the world has been affected by a major outbreak of the novel coronavirus(COVID-19). The virus outbreak was first reported at Wuhan, China. As of now, the viral infection has affected over a million people at almost 70 locations worldwide, causing over 3000 deaths, making the outbreak a global emergency.
Humans, at first, can get affected by the virus through contact with animals. Then, the virus can spread quickly from humans to humans. The symptoms of COVID-19 may range from mild to similar. The symptoms like fever, cough and throat shortness of breath may be shown after 2-14 days of exposure to the virus. The virus can be transmitted from person to person through contact with an infected person or through body fluids.
What are the mechanisms to prevent the infection? How can technology help in combating the global epidemic? Can we curb the viral outbreak via technology? Here are a few ways how technology helps to control the coronavirus outbreak.
Artificial Intelligence To Monitor The Coronavirus Outbreak
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can identify and forecast the nature of the disease outbreak and it’s spread. Ai and machine learning algorithms analyze sources such as news reports, social media platforms and government documents to predict the outbreak.
AI To Help CT Scans To Detect The Virus
AI algorithms help in getting accurate use to help clinicians detect and monitor the disease more effectively. With over a thousand cases a day being reported, imaging departments are under immense pressure. AI has helped to shorten the time for the scan results, which previously was time-consuming. AI tools help CT scans to screen suspected patients of the COVID-19 virus immediately, felicitating further diagnosis and treatment.
Robots To Sterilize The Quarantine Wards
Automated robots are helping the hospitals to sterilize the quarantine wards. The robots sterilize the quarantine ward without any human intervention. The cleaning robots helps hospitals to disinfect and contain the spread of COVID-19.
Claims Processing To Speed Administrative Paperwork Processing
The blockchain technology is helping the administrative staff of the hospitals to reduce the cost and human resources spent on the administrative work and the frontlines. The technology speeds up the claims processing and reduces the need for face-to-face contact.
Chatbots To Pass Coronavirus Alerts
Chatbots are efficient medium to provide real-time alerts of the coronavirus outbreak. Chatbots provide latest and authentic updates, especially to travellers regarding the coronavirus outbreak. The chatbot, accessed through a mobile app, helps in spreading awareness on the outbreak, including the symptoms, preventative measures and treatment procedures.
Prevention is better than cure. The technology can help to fight the virus outbreak, but there are few safety measures we need to follow. Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based sanitizer, practice breathing exercises and maintain social distances. Don’t forget to receive early medical attention if you have fever, cough or difficulty in breathing. Sharing is always not caring.
What is Novel Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause various illness like the common cold, fever or severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in humans.
