SGMI-MENTOR ‒ proximity tracing

In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, various tools that may be useful in the epidemiological control of the spread of the disease are being discussed. These include (as a supplement to the instructions recommended for all persons, such as social distancing, hygiene measures, etc.) measures that enable consistent identification and isolation of persons who have been in contact with infected/sick persons [1]. In addition to the classic, personnel-intensive tracing of contacts of infected patients (auxiliary persons identify remembered contacts, call them by telephone and recommend self-isolation and, if necessary, further diagnostic tests), digital aids – known as proximity tracing apps – are increasingly being used and tested. From a medical informatics perspective, the use of such a proximity tracing app must be promoted for the reasons given below, provided that national requirements (e.g., FOPH/BAG recommendation, legislation [probably June 2020]) are met. It must be emphasised that this is not a replacement of the classic contact tracing, but rather a supplement to it.