Union adopts Canadian tech to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
Published May 21, 2020 at 1:45 am
A Canadian company is working towards helping stop the spread of COVID-19 by providing technology that can better detect if individuals have come in contact with someone infected with the virus.
Facedrive Health, a division of Facedrive Inc., is working with the University of Waterloo on TraceSCAN, a digital COVID-19 contact-tracing app.
The TraceSCAN app and wearables are intended to help mitigate the spread of the virus by providing contact tracing through the use of Bluetooth technology, and notifying users when/if they come into contact with someone carrying the virus.
Contact-tracing could help curb the spread of the virus until researchers are able to develop a vaccine–something that appears to still be months away.
As a result, the Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), has announced it will be adopting TraceSCAN to help members better protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.
“The safety and well-being of LiUNA members remains our highest priority. Beginning with this important pilot project, we are pleased to have TraceSCAN available to the membership of LiUNA and their families, working together to ensure heightened protection amid the progression of COVID-19,” Joseph Mancinelli, LiUNA international vice-president and regional manager of Central and Eastern Canada, said in a news release.
Videos
“Our members are one of the foundational pillars of the Canadian economy and we are diligent in all efforts to continue to ensure they are protected. In partnership with TraceSCAN, we will continue to ensure that the health and safety of all members remains at the centre of all decision making, introducing this innovative safety measure as we continue building stronger communities across Canada,” he continued.
In order to mitigate privacy concerns, TraceSCAN’s app and wearables have been designed in line with the government’s recommendations.
The only personal information that will be required from users is their phone numbers, which will be used by participating health institutions to contact members to provide guidance, recommendation, and support.
“As an innovative technology company with a people-and-planet-first business model, we believe it is Facedrive’s responsibility to contribute advanced technology solutions to our country during times of crisis,” Sayan Navaratnam, Facedrive chairman and CEO, said in the same release.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with LiUNA to enhance workplace safety and help halt the spread of COVID-19 and protect workers, their families and communities from this virus,” he continued.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising