St Lucia to introduce new devices for COVID-19 surveillance

St Lucia: St Lucia is going to introduce two devices for the surveillance of COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health in St Lucia is improving its surveillance of people on home quarantine by introducing innovative technology. Every country wants to decrease the rate of rising cases of lethal coronavirus. To fight this pandemic, we need innovation. Hence introducing innovative devices can help a lot.

According to the Ministry of Health, two electronic monitoring devices Bio-Intellisense BioButton and Amber wristwatch, are expected to come on stream on January 18, 2021, which can supervise people in quarantine.

What is BioButton?
According to health experts, “BioButton is a disposable, one-time-use body sensor about the size of a quarter, invented to be worn on the left side of the chest. It is small and unnoticeable. It watches the vitals of quarantined persons who may be at high risk for developing lethal coronavirus. It provides perpetual temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate measures to the user. it enables the early detection of a potential case.”

What is the Amber wristwatch?
According to Dr. Gomez, “The Amber Wristwatch is known for its geo-fencing capacity. It guarantees that persons wearing the device remain within their home’s limitations as per home quarantine protocols. It also permits the monitoring of the vitals of the quarantined individual. This means that should persons develop symptoms during their quarantine period, and the Ministry of Health would detect this.

Through improved monitoring, this device will aid in the nation’s COVID-19 response plan by limiting the spread of the disease, as it helps to ensure that persons remain at home during their quarantine period.”

If we talk about these respective devices’ costs, Amber’s wristwatch is USD 37.50 for a 5 to 7 days rental and USD 75 for the 14-day rental, and BioButton will cost USD 100 for a 14 day period.

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