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The Undeniable Importance of ICT Amidst COVID-19
Introduction
Over the years, Information Communications Technology has completely revolutionised the world we live in. ICT impacts almost every aspect of our daily lives – from how we work and learn to how we communicate and socialise. In fact, ICT has become such an intrinsic part of modern day society that it is easy to overlook the crucial role it plays.
Locating Within Today’s Landscape
The emergence of the COVID-19 virus has completely shifted this paradigm, bringing ICT’s critical role to the forefront. The pandemic continues to have a devastating effect on all sectors of society (economic, health, education, business, social etc.) and many countries have been forced to enter a state of lockdown to curb the spread. It has become clear that ICT is the only tool capable of sustaining a lockdown of this nature. Consequently, every sector of society is relying on ICT, now more than ever, to remain afloat.
Effect on Sectors of Society
Digital health solutions have played a fundamental role in the fight against COVID-19, with technology being used to identify, track and test the virus. Without ICT, the COVID-19 virus may not have been identified as early as it was. BlueDot, a Canadian start-up, was one of the first organisations to identify the emergence of the mysterious flu-like virus in Wuhan, China. They used an AI-driven surveillance algorithm to track the virus and give advanced warning to government agencies, health officials, frontline hospitals and airlines, days before the outbreak.
AI’s ability to analyse massive amounts of data to predict results on large datasets accurately is also being used in South Africa’s fight against the COVID-19 virus. Contact tracing is being used to track and trace the virus in provinces that have been most affected, and publicly accessible interactive dashboards are being used to track the number of infections, recoveries and fatalities in the country. This has greatly assisted the Government in making well-informed, data-driven decisions.
AI is also being used to identify faster and more precise testing methods. Researchers in New York have developed an algorithm that quickly detects COVID-19, using AI in conjunction with imaging technologies. The algorithm looks at CT scans of the patient’s lungs, along with the patient’s symptoms and bloodwork to quickly make a diagnosis. Not only is this method quicker and more accurate than the current viral tests, it also solves other challenges including the shortage of test kits and the possibility of false-negatives.
AI is also being used to identify faster and more precise testing methods. Researchers in New York have developed an algorithm that quickly detects COVID-19, using AI in conjunction with imaging technologies. The algorithm looks at CT scans of the patient’s lungs, along with the patient’s symptoms and bloodwork to quickly make a diagnosis. Not only is this method quicker and more accurate than the current viral tests, it also solves other challenges including the shortage of test kits and the possibility of false-negatives.
Technology has also assisted with the dissemination of up-to-date and reliable COVID-19 information – another central component in the management and mitigation of the virus. Members of society are only able to make informed decisions when they are kept informed. The South African Government achieved this with the use of WhatsApp. This well known instant messaging platform has allowed the Government to disseminate up-to-date COVID-19 information to millions of South Africans in 5 official languages.
ICT has not only played an important role in the direct fight against the COVID-19 virus but also in dealing with its after-effects. Businesses, educational institutions and everyday South Africans have turned to technology platforms to maintain some form of normalcy during the national lockdown.
