IoT-Based Method to Enhance Testing Frequency Against COVID-19

For well over one year, the world has been ravaged by a global pandemic which has affected every sphere of human endeavor. In a bid to effectively fight against the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), the World Health Organization recommended to countries testing, isolation, and contact tracing. These recommendations are somewhat highly dependent on testing, of which isolation and contact tracing would not be feasible if proper tests are not conducted. Recent research outcomes indicate that the focus had been on volume of tests, accuracy of tests and velocity of tests with little or no attention on frequency of tests. In this paper, a solution is designed and developed to enhance the frequency of tests by aiding individuals to perform tests at regular intervals, whether they manifest symptoms of COVID-19 or not. A Bluetooth enabled Oximeter device is used to monitor an individual's blood Oxygen level to avert deteriorated respiratory symptoms due to late detection. The device is interfaced with a mobile application to measure and record Oxygen concentration levels. Results obtained from every test is promptly shared with relevant authorities for immediate action if need be. The data captured equally helps authorities keep track of areas that might be at the risk of an outbreak. Experimental tests were carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed solution. It proved to be very efficient and helpful as frequency of tests were scaled up and real-time information about people at the risk of COVID- 19 are promptly made available to the relevant authorities.