Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has taken the initiative to develop a smartphone application named 'CovidSense' to enable people to conduct self-screening tests and COVID-19 contact tracking.
The application being tested is a pilot project developed by a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Associate Prof Sawal Hamid Md Ali together with a lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine, Prof Dr Norfilza Mohd Mokhtar and several researchers from UKM’s Faculty of Science and Technology.
According to Sawal, the CovidSense application developed in collaboration with Innosens Technology Sdn Bhd is based on GPS location tracking technology.
“It is different from other applications because CovidSense does not collect and store user information and personal data unless provided by the users. So, users can use this app anonymously,” he told Bernama here, today.
He said that if a user chooses to register before using this application, the user's location will be stored in a controlled database and will only be accessible to the authorities.
Describing its function and usage, Sawal said users could perform self-screening tests by answering 'yes' or 'no' to 12 questions related to COVID-19 symptoms.
Based on the answers, the app will calculate a risk score and present the risk of infection to the user.
"For those who may be at intermediate risk or high risk, users can contact the National Crisis Preparedness and Emergency Response Centre (CPRC) directly via the hotline number displayed.
“The contact tracking feature in this application will be used when a user visits a hospital or health centre for a clinical screening test and is found to be positive,” he said.
Even more interesting is the main features of the application also displays a heat map based on a number of positive cases to make it easier for users to identify the zone of infection in their environment.
According to Sawal, during this clinical trial, if the individual (application user) is detected positive, the authorities can use a dashboard display to track all the locations where the patient had visited to trace any contact.
The patient’s records in the application will also be updated with the patient's identity number (ID) without any other personal data being added to the record, he said.
He said based on log files in a controlled database, location tracking could be done and specific actions could be taken by the authorities to conduct tests and isolate possible contacts.
“This feature is also very useful in cases of relapse. Studies show that there is a possibility of patients who have recovered getting re-infected.
"By using this tracking feature via the dashboard and log files, the authorities can conduct contact detection for these cases of re-infection,” he said.
"By using this detection via the dashboard display and log files, authorities can conduct contact tracing for this re-infection cases,” he said.
A beta version of this application is currently being tested for use by UKM's Chancellor Tuanku Mukhriz Hospital (HCTM) following the approval of the UKM Ethics Committee for field testing.
The beta version of this app is currently being tested privately for use at UKM’s Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) upon approval by UKM’s ethics committee.
However, he said, the public would only be able to use this application if approved by the government and the relevant parties.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Apr 23 2020
The CovidSense application developed in collaboration with Innosens Technology Sdn Bhd is based on GPS location tracking technology.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.