The U.S. Army is on the lookout for a wearable device that can be used to detect those infected with coronavirus early enough. This marks the latest example of how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how the world works, and the changes that are needed in the future to further reduce and limit a resurgence of the outbreak.
Being able to detect COVID-19 in its earliest stages is one of the best ways to stop a rapid spread of the virus. Whether that’s through rigorous and quick testing or mass-surveillance techniques, being ahead of the virus revolves around knowing who has it, who hasn’t, and keeping the two separate. Of course, not everywhere has acted fast enough to get ahead of the virus and this has resulted in various lockdown orders having to be implemented in a number of countries.
The United States Department of the Army is now looking to secure proposals for a “wearable diagnostic for detection of COVID-19 infection." The announcement was posted to The System for Award Management website, otherwise known as SAM.org, which is an official U.S. government website for seeking, receiving and managing federal awards. The proposals are being overseen by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, and the expectation is there will be up to $25 million available for funding, to cover up to ten possible awards.
While it remains unclear when an actual vaccine will become available, detecting those with the virus is one of the next-best solutions. This is particularly important for industries and organizations, such as the Army, where typical social distancing measures are not always possible. Due to this, the Army has also seen its fair share of infections, and this is likely why it is now seeking to fast-track a device that can ensure infection rates are lowered by early identification and isolation of individuals, when needed.
What’s different in this case, instead of looking at using technology to track infections in each other, the Army is looking for a wearable that can monitor the individual wearing it. Specifically, physiological monitoring that can - in an ideal world - identify COVID-19 positive individuals before they begin to show symptoms. This form of self-monitoring would not only provide the individual with advanced screening - so they can seek help before their symptoms develop - but also help to ensure those around them are less likely to become infected as well. Due to the nature of those wearing these devices, the Army is specifically keen on finding wearables that are less likely to interfere with the individual's daily activities.
While a lightweight device that's almost invisible when worn, and can detect the virus before it becomes a problem, might sound like a tall order, if realized, it is likely to be a more effective solution than trying to combat coronavirus through the (optional) use of mass-tracking smartphone apps.
Source: SAM.gov
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