In many countries the Coronavirus has slowed its pace, but there are still many countries in which it continues to spread. Humanity has been quick to adapt and innovate we have at-home workout apps to stay fit, educational portals for virtual classrooms, video conference platforms to remain connected, and so many other technological innovations.
However, modern technologies aren't just helping us cope with the social isolation; they're also helping us combat the virus itself. In this article, we look at how different technological innovations may or may not be keeping us safe from coronavirus.
Viral Genome Sequencing
Researchers can only study a virus and develop potential treatments if they have samples of the virus. In the past, it would have taken months for laboratories across the globe to get samples of the virus, which means the treatment trials would have significantly delayed.
However, thanks to modern technologies, China has sequenced the virus genome and posted it online. That allows research laboratories from across the globe to develop synthetic samples of the virus and initiate experiments.
The viral genome was sequenced at the Institut Pasteur on the 24th of January, 2020. Following that, The Institut Pasteur obtained and shared the whole sequence of the virus by the 30th of January, 2020.
Drones
Drones are being used in various parts of the world. In China, drones with loudspeakers are flying around, warning pedestrians to wear masks and stay away from at-risk zones. Furthermore, officials flying the drones send out instructions to the pedestrians, such as, "Yes Auntie, this drone is speaking to you. You shouldn't walk about without wearing a mask. You'd better go home, and don't forget to wash your hands."
Furthermore, drones are also being used to carry out essential medical functions from a safe distance. The Terra Drone Group company Antwork in China is using drones to carry critical medical supplies from hospitals to disease control centers. Using drones to carry patient samples and medical supplies limits the need for transport personnel, which reduces contact.
Smartphones
Smartphones are keeping us safe in more ways than we can count!
Most directly, governments across the globe have introduced smartphone coronavirus tracing applications. These apps differ based on who has created them; however, all of them have some vital features.
Contact tracing apps monitor your location, and you can update them with your viral status. As such, based on the movement of others with the app, it warns you when and if you've come in contact with other potentially infected people. Some of these smartphone apps also allow you to enter your symptoms, which is being used by researchers to learn more about COVID-19.
In addition to coronavirus tracking apps, smartphones are also helping us stay safe in other ways. Delivery applications are allowing us to get food and essentials delivered to our doorsteps without having to go out. Furthermore, online payment systems allow us to make payments without exchanging physical cash.
Air Purifiers
In recent months, there have been several claims that air purifiers can trap coronavirus, and thus protect you from the virus.
Those claims are largely false. There have been no official studies indicating that air purifiers can prevent you from getting COVID-19. Although air purifiers with HEPA filters can block out air pollutants, dust mites, bacteria, and even some viruses. Still, there's no indication that they can prevent coronavirus from entering your home.
However, just because they can't stop coronavirus doesn't mean they can't help you.
Air purifiers clean and purify your home's atmosphere, getting rid of germs, bacteria, pollen, dust mites, and other allergens. As such, they can improve your immunity and the state of your respiratory system.
Coronavirus, as most of us are aware by now, affects your respiratory system, and it mostly affects immunocompromised individuals. As such, air purifiers boost your immunity, which gives your system a better shot at fighting off coronavirus and other infections.
Robots
Robots are doing wonders for healthcare staff in overcrowded hospitals. Robot nurses go around hospitals to perform essential functions that generally require contact, such as delivering food, medicine, answering patient questions, checking temperatures, and disinfecting surfaces.
Since robots are handling these essential contact functions, nurses in hospitals can focus on other activities that don't require as much content. As such, robots are keeping nurses and hospital staff safer than they would be otherwise.
Conclusion
Technological innovations are helping us in more ways than we could have imagined or predicted. Furthermore, even technologies that we've had for a while, such as video conference apps, have proven to be a lot more useful and essential in these times. Now that we're so accustomed to technologies in every aspect of our lives - even more so than before - it's worth wondering what the world would look like post-pandemic. Until then, stay indoors and stay safe!
