At NerdsToGo, we anticipated that 2020 would be a big year for the tech world. That being said, not even our wildest predictions pointed to the unprecedented role of digital communication this year.

As far as we’re concerned, modern tech has proven to be a surprising silver lining in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it has allowed us to implement and maintain social distancing measures more effectively. For many, tech is the ultimate lifeline, providing opportunities for remote work and social connection when hard-hitting isolation might otherwise make us think twice about staying at home.

The tech world always moves fast, but this is especially true these days. Seemingly overnight, Zoom went from a promising video conferencing app to a must-have in the average person’s technological arsenal. Likewise, we’ve seen the rapid rise of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). Yes, both were already poised to take over the digital world – but they’re even more influential now that we’re so dependent on technology.

Beyond personal convenience, tech has the power to change the trajectory of the pandemic. It already plays a significant role in virus detection – and its influence is only expected to expand. Emerging solutions could determine the efficacy of diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring efforts. This could be a sign of great hope in an era of negative headlines. Yes, we have a long way to go, but the ingenuity of the tech community should not be underestimated.

Below, we’ve highlighted just a few examples of promising digital solutions that could make a huge difference in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.

Virtual Reality for Patient Monitoring

Whether treated at the hospital or at home, those who contract Coronavirus often require extensive care. This places a huge burden on the healthcare system. While personal efforts to flatten the curve help, tech solutions could make an even greater difference.

Currently, experts are looking to adjust tools known as “battle buddies” for the hard work of monitoring and assisting COVID-19 patients. Originally developed for military applications, these virtual human agents can serve a variety of pandemic-related purposes, including the following:

Interpreting information obtained via wearable devices.
Administering questions during psychological assessments.
Answering patient questions on behalf of hospital staff members.
Screening sick patients for symptoms or markers of recovery.

Battle buddies can make a huge difference during a time in which hospitals and their staff members are overwhelmed. These systems remove some of the burden currently placed on doctors, nurses, and other healthcare employees. This, in turn, allows medical professionals to handle a higher volume of patients.

Tracking Coronavirus Spread Via Smartphone Apps

World Health Organization experts highlight South Korea as initiating and maintaining one of the most effective responses to the novel Coronavirus. The nation owes much of its success to its advanced tech systems, which allow for targeted tracking of the disease’s actual and potential spread. Inspired by such efforts, many other government entities hope to implement similar measures.

A variety of startups and research universities are currently testing systems that could bring the best of South Korea’s approach to the United States. For example, Sentinel Healthcare has partnered with UT Health Austin to develop and implement a Coronavirus quarantine management system. This comprehensive solution is designed to assist healthcare providers, government agencies, private employers, and a variety of other entities. It draws heavily on the power of automation software to handle huge volumes of patient data.

Sentinel’s system provides patients with digital thermometers, which they can use to record their temperatures while minimizing physical contact with vulnerable healthcare workers. From there, patients are also prompted to answer questions about their symptoms. The system’s advanced algorithms then determine whether the attention of a medical professional is warranted. Automatic alerts and triaging solutions ensure that patients receive prompt care when necessary.

Machine Learning and Drug Discovery

Symptom tracking is critical, but in the long-term, some of the most important tech efforts will ideally help to combat the disease’s most alarming effects. Rather than passively waiting for a vaccine, experts hope to determine which drugs can deliver prompt relief for suffering patients. Without tech solutions, however, this process can prove extremely time-consuming.

Computer scientists at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering hope that machine learning will expedite the discovery of drugs capable of addressing COVID-19’s most deadly symptoms. This approach uses advanced mathematical models to determine the unintended benefits that accompany a variety of medications. The timeline for this process is typically lengthy, but new machine learning techniques could expedite efforts to identify the most effective drugs.

NerdsToGo: Your Top Tech Resource During the COVID-19 Pandemic

NerdsToGo is a top computer repair company with locations across the country. We have a long history of helping a variety of individuals and businesses in times of need. Our certified Nerds understand the huge role that tech now plays in work, school, and other elements of your day-to-day life. We also know how devastating it can be to go without this essential source of connection. So, when your devices act up, we’re here to provide the guidance you need.

Are you worried about the possible spread of COVID-19? You’re certainly not alone. We’re happy to set your mind at ease. We’ve taken a variety of steps to keep our valued customers safe. We’re committed to abiding by all of the CDC’s Coronavirus safety guidelines, so you can feel complete peace of mind as our Nerds handle your tech issues. If preferred, you can even turn to us for remote services. Our customers have long appreciated the convenience of digital troubleshooting – and now, many are more eager than ever to take advantage of this option.

No matter the nature of your current tech concerns, you can count on our team of experts. Reach out today to learn more about the range of residential services and business IT solutions offered through NerdsToGo – and to discover how we can help keep you and your loved ones safe and connected.