8. Information technology assisting prevention and control
Information technology such as big data and artificial intelligence, has
been widely involved in multiple fields.
For example, information released
by transport authorities help local governments track and manage
priority populations. Passengers on the same flight or train compartment
with people later confirmed as COVID-19 patients would be picked out,
registered in the community’s monitoring list and asked to quarantine.
Health code are created by tracking individual’s travel information
(like whether one has been to high-risk areas), people without qualified
health code would be advised to restrain outdoor activities.
Zhejiang Province was also the
first to present the epidemic risk of each area to the public on a
five-color map, each color corresponding to a risk level.
On the other hand, information technology keeps people connected in a
more precise and effective way amid the outbreak. Online classes and
online office reduce direct contact while maintain the quality of
teaching and work; authoritative and reliable information such as
medical guidance can only be found on government website. The use of
information technology makes the disease control more scientific,
precise and effective.