TECHNOLOGY has been proving to be the best tool to catch up with the spread of COVID-19. With the number of cases gone up to 11,000, tracing and locating those who might have been or have already been exposed is tantamount to having a cure through isolation and quarantine.
Called TanodCOVID, the app developed by the Ateneo Center for Computing Competency and Research (ACCCRe) of Ateneo de Manila University, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Manila — National Telehealth Center (UP-NTHC) and the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, through a program funded by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
TanodCOVID is an SMS-based self-reporting platform. It aims to improve the country’s capacity to trace suspected COVID-19 cases using the Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler (FASSSTER) — a web-based disease modeling and surveillance platform for COVID19, which aims to gather and present data on the country’s battle against COVID-19.
Globe Telecom through its own tech development team, Globe Labs, is also part of this initiative by providing the much needed online connections as the team was in the app’s hatching stage.
TanodCOVID works by detecting (through reporting) local residents experiencing known COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, breathing difficulties, and/or diarrhea. These people are encouraged to inform health officials of their condition by texting their LGU’s verified number. Reports sent through the platform are handled immediately with locals receiving calls from health officials to verify the report, request for additional information, and provide guidelines on the next steps to receive treatment. Verified reports from TanodCOVID may be used to detect clustering of suspected cases that can be indicative of possible outbreak in an area.
Globe is providing LGU partners and their constituents access and use of TanodCOVID free of any mobile charges to enable them to maximize the use of the platform, and assure the effective and real-time reporting across participating communities.
vThe service is currently available in select areas such as Malabon City and Mandaluyong City in Luzon, the municipality of Maigo in Lanao del Norte, municipalities of Puerto Galera and Bongabong in Oriental Mindoro, municipality of San Jose in Romblon, municipality of Jabonga in Agusan del Norte, and Valencia City in Bukidnon.
“Through TanodCOVID, we aim to add more value to our services by enabling our customers and their communities safeguard their health and safety especially during present circumstances, where access to immediate testing and healthcare prove to be more difficult,” Albert de Larrazabal, Chief Commercial Officer at Globe said.
Apart from enabling locals to report cases, TanodCOVID also provides LGUs access to data on reported symptoms to better serve their communities — as well as to isolate cases and prevent further spread.
To stay updated on the latest COVID-19 developments, Globe mobile and broadband customers are also given free access to the official websites of the Department of Health (DOH) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
“Globe stands with the country in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic as it continues to assist frontliners, organizations, and communities through its products and services. The country battles the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to do our part in keeping families connected during these challenging times, while assisting organizations and government agencies in flattening the curve.” de Larrazabal said, adding that the public can join in by visiting Globe Stay-safe-at-Home.
