WSDOH, UW Survey Asks How Technology Can Fight COVID

The University of WA Public Health Dept. is inviting citizens who are over 18 to take a survey that they say will help determine how technology can better help fight COVID.

The survey contains a variety of questions, including questions about how familiar, or "savvy" people are with phone and digital tech.

Then is has the following statement and questions:

"USING AN APP TO CONTROL COVID-19: An app has been developed to help control the spread of COVID-19. The app uses Bluetooth technology to anonymously notify users if they have been in close proximity to another user who tests positive for COVID-19. It does not collect any personally identifiable information about the user, the device it is loaded on, or locations it visits. Washington State plans to encourage use of this app, however, it is completely voluntary. This section asks your thoughts about using an app like this to help control spread of COVID-19."

It then asks "how helpful do you think this app will be to limit the spread of COVID-19?"

It also asks what a person's response would be if they received a notification through this app that a person they've been close to tested positive for COVID-19.  It's interesting to note that the list of responses does not include any reference to ignoring the alert.

According to the website MedicalXpress.com, these type of apps had have mixed success in Europe. In various countries, there's been compatibility issues, others claims of 'tracking tourists,' while others say it was a flop (France).

It's interesting to note the featured image WSDOH used on their Facebook page, the infrared picture. Alarmingly reminds you of the infrared technology now being used in China to track people, allegedly for COVID purposes. These are the same type of cameras used in their prison camps.

To see the survey for yourself, click on the button below.