Should We Look to Singapore to Signal the Future of Contact Tracing?

While countries around the world struggle to contain ongoing outbreaks of Covid-19, many look to Singapore as a shining example for how to successfully beat back an epidemic. And, rightly so. Back in February, Singapore was poised to have one of the worst outbreaks in Southeast Asia. But, the country quickly introduced widespread testing, ramped up hospital capacity, and passed generous government stimulus to try to keep its citizens safe and its economy afloat. It worked. Of its 5.7M citizens, Singapore has only recorded 54,000 cases (many of which were due to the initial surge) and a mere 27 deaths. Put more simply, they’ve proven they’re successful at managing the continuing Covid-19 crisis. 

Another effective solution they’re using in their fight? Contact tracing. Singapore deployed the world’s first bluetooth-based contact tracing app, TraceTogether, back in March. Originally, the tech-based solution looked promising, and many other countries began building apps of their own. But, after a few months of testing, Singapore’s government now admits the app-based system is inherently flawed for a few key reasons. First, not everyone in Singapore owns a smartphone, leaving gaps in coverage (pun absolutely intended). Second, TraceTogether’s bluetooth technology doesn’t work well on Apple devices, quickly draining their batteries and only working if the app runs in the foreground. Basically, for the app to work, iPhone owners in Singapore can’t use their phone for anything but contact tracing, and their devices quickly die on them if they do. Yikes!

Finally, despite being ranked as the least intrusive contact tracing app in Southeast Asia, many citizens raised privacy concerns around misuse of data gathered from the app by the government. This is rare for Singapore, where a whopping 70% of citizens trust their government, and suggests mistrust of the app runs deep among citizens. All of this has led to a dismal 35% of Singaporeans downloading the app, far below the 60% necessary for it to effectively stem the spread of the virus. 

Given the app’s inability to take off, Singapore’s Ministry of Health has now turned to wearables, aptly titled the TraceTogether Token, to support their contact tracing efforts. High-risk groups and those that are not digitally connected, like seniors and young children, will be first to receive tokens, with iPhone users expected to follow. To quell data privacy concerns, Singapore’s health ministry has stressed the device’s inability to transmit data via internet, cell networks, or GPS. Plus, any data collected by the device is wiped after 25 days, and the tokens cannot track a wearer’s location. Their batteries last for an impressive nine months, and wearers have to physically hand in the device when they test positive, because data is stored locally and does not transmit back to any database. All to say, they are putting a premium on privacy and solutions that are operable anywhere, at anytime.

Singapore has been a leader in the world’s fight against Covid-19 at every step of the way. Their admission that apps fall short, and their subsequent adoption of wearable technology could signal to other countries that it’s time to follow suit. Wearables offer a safer, more secure way to stem the spread. And while we wait for decisions made at the government-level, businesses should take note, and then action. 

Here at Proxfinity, we already know the power of effective, trustworthy wearable technology. Leveraging our state-of-the-art networking tech, we developed ResCUE: a smart badge that helps businesses successfully contact trace in the workplace. Our signature hardware succeeds everywhere Singapore has shown contact tracing apps fail. It’s completely anonymous to protect user privacy, anyone can use it, and it lasts a full three days before needing a charge, giving you a reliable solution. The best part? It’s ready now. All you have to do is slip it on.

Give your business a better future by investing in the future of contact tracing. Get started with ResCUE today.

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Proxfinity Team