ED: Tech for tracing

In a country as densely populated as Bangladesh, widespread testing is an overwhelming challenge. Already, the system is strained to breaking point, with many complaining that they have been unable to get tested. This is where contact tracing can truly be a game changer, but for that, we must embrace the role of technology in fighting Covid-19.

New apps like Corona Tracer BD, developed by Shohoz.com, could be what we need to take this battle to the next level. This app -- which has been developed in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Division -- is one of a number of other apps available around the world.

It uses a smartphone’s Bluetooth signals and GPS location services to tell when people are in close physical proximity, and alerts can be sent out to show if the person has tested positive for Covid-19.

More importantly, this app can collect invaluable data, which will be stored at a central database. This information could be used to fight coronavirus in a much more focused way.

We cannot ignore the three-pronged approach in tackling the spread of Covid-19: Testing, tracing, and isolation, and Bangladesh in particular needs to get better at tracing. 

If we are indeed serious about becoming Digital Bangladesh, there can hardly be a more noble use of technology than the saving of lives from a deadly virus.

Other technology-oriented, entrepreneurial minds are fully up to the challenge of making contact tracing possible, and efficient. What is needed now is for the government to be clear and decisive about its priorities, and to forge ahead in saving lives instead of sending mixed signals.