[LINK] Can digital contact tracing make up for lost time? (The Lancet)

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

Can digital contact tracing make up for lost time?
Louise C Ivers
Daniel J Weitzner
Published:July 16, 2020
The Lancet

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(20)30160-2/fulltext

(Conclusion)

"As contact tracing remains a crucial component of the COVID-19
response, mobile apps offer promise, especially when considering the
speed and scale required for tracing to be effective—as highlighted in
Kretzschmar and colleagues' study. However, understanding the potential
impact of apps as part of a comprehensive integrated approach requires
more evaluation of their use in real life and multidisciplinary
engagement of technologists, epidemiologists, public health experts, and
the public."

It's that phrase again "offer promise". In other words, it sounds like a
good, simple idea. The second sentence says it all - "more evaluation"
is needed. Rushing an app out the door and then trying to make it work
and justify its effectiveness is bound to put a dent in the public's
perception of it.

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Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Canberra Australia
email: brd at iimetro.com.au