Proposal for Using Digital Tools in Mitigating a Pandemic: Lessons Learned from COVID-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Since the COVID-19 outbreak began in Wuhan China, countries across the world have been forced to take unprecedented measures to combat it. While some countries are still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, others have fared better and have established relative normalcy quickly. The rapid transmission rate of the virus has shown a greater need for efficient and technologically modern containment measures. The use of digital tools to facilitate strict containment measures in countries that have faired well against the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked both interest and controversy. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compare the precautions taken against the spread of COVID-19, particularly the use of digital tools in contact tracing, and propose policies that could be utilized in the U.S. for future COVID-19 waves or pandemics. METHODS: COVID-19 death rates data were obtained from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) accessed through the Our World in Data database, and were evaluated based on population size per 100,000 from December 31, 2019 to September 6, 2020. All policies and measures enacted were obtained from their respective governmental websites. RESULTS: We found a strong association between lower death rates per capita and countries that implemented early mask use and strict border control measures that included mandatory quarantine using digital tools. There is a significant difference in the number of deaths per 100,000 when comparing Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore versus the U.S., Spain, and Italy. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our research, it is evident that early intervention with the use of digital tools has a strong correlation for containing COVID-19. Infection rates and subsequent deaths in Italy, Spain, and more specifically the U.S. could have been much lower with early mask use and, more importantly, timely border control measures utilizing modern digital tools. Thus, we propose that the U.S. execute the following national policies should a public health emergency be declared: (1) Immediately establish a National Command responsible for enacting strict mandatory guidelines enforced by federal and state governments, including national mask use. (2) Mandate civilian cooperation with health officials in contact tracing and quarantine orders. Incoming travelers to the U.S. and those quarantined will be required to download a contact tracing app. We acknowledge the countries we studied differ in their cultures, political systems, and reporting criteria for COVID-19 deaths. Further research may need to be conducted to address these limitations; however, we believe that the proposed policies could protect the American public.