Technology, our ally against the coronavirus

From what we know, the COVID-19 virus originated in China, which, besides being an economic giant, is also one of the Top 20 countries in the Innovation Index published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization; and it is second in terms of number of leading science and technology groups. This digital and technological strength has been crucial in the Asian nation’s management of the pandemic.

Within one or two days of detecting a new case, Singapore, considered to be the country with the best response to the virus so far, is able to reconstruct an infected individual’s chain of transmission using an efficient database and immediate decision-making that is only possible thanks to real-time monitoring. Technology has been critical with screening tests allowing patients to be located and isolated.

Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan have also successfully employed technology and innovation to combat the virus using more effective response methods.

Likewise in Europe, now the epicenter of contagion, government authorities are relying on Artificial Intelligence processes including applications, databases and assistants. In Spain, the recently announced digital response to the virus includes a webpage with verified information, digital self-diagnosis, and a data office, among other programs.

The general public and the business community

In order to alleviate the pressure and logistical complexity generated by this emergency, individuals are helping in the fight against the virus by using different technologies fostering solidarity and citizen action.

Options for buying essential goods, neighborhood initiatives to assist those unable to leave their homes and all kinds of non-profit actions, like leaving hot meals outside the doors of those in need and offering courses on relaxation or workshops for children, confirm that this new reality is possible through technology.

The actions and look of the big brands have also changed. Intervention by giants like Google, Facebook and Apple is no longer confined to the scope of their operations as we once knew them. Stopping the spread of fake news, collecting useful data for the coronavirus response and improving users’ emotional state by offering happier music are just some of the things they’re doing now. This news goes hand-in-hand with the announcement that the WHO will work with WhatsApp to launch a system for coronavirus alerts and recommendations.

The same is true of the response of multinational companies like MAPFRE, which has opened its digital health platform, Savia, for consultations on possible cases of Covid-19 and other sicknesses, free of charge to all citizens. In addition, many other companies are providing free access to their digital content and providing users with services to help improve their lives during this pandemic.

Houseparty and other unprecedented experiments

Confinement has also laid the groundwork for new experiments in virtual relationships, both professional and personal.

In many organizations, distance working has transformed from utopia into reality to ensure greater employee safety, along with the proliferation of regular videoconferences on Skype or Hangouts, collaborative tools (Intranets, virtual communities, knowledge storehouses, etc.), the acceptance of new avenues of consultation previously considered intrusive (WhatsApp or Telegram), and the sharing, not only of projects, but of personal concerns.

Among friends, or with strangers, the latest trend is Houseparty, the most downloaded app in quarantine. “At your place or mine” is now a thing of the past, as the coronavirus crisis makes parties and entertainment advisable only over video call. Sharing meetings and games together, albeit online.

Technology that in previous decades was viewed as cold infrastructure, capable of threatening human relations, has now brought citizens of the 180 nations impacted to date significantly closer together, uniting us all in a situation where freedom is curtailed and normality suspended.

Viral, as its name would indicate

The hashtags generated by the coronavirus (#StayAtHome #CoronaKindness), along with their memes and unfounded rumors have gone viral. They’ve spread across all social networks without exception, providing a big dose of everyday life, enabling users to reveal aspects of their lives that had previously remained hidden. Simple domestic tasks, like the number one in world tennis [Rafa Nadal] cooking, or a virtual concert in Alejandro [Sanz’] living room, are posts reverberating across networks and reaching thousands of citizens also fulfilling their obligations from home. With more than 2.4 billion Facebook users and over 340 million Twitter users, this virus has exploded on social networks like no other so far.