Can Apple Watch or Fitbit or any other wearable device track a person infected with coronavirus (Covid-19)?
According to data by Pew Research Center, over 1 in every 5 Americans wear smartwatch. So, if these wearable devices can track or detect any such viruses, it could be a great help. It’s so because as the activities have started post lockdown.
Fitbit in a recent post on twitter shared, “We’re excited to announce a study to find out if Fitbit devices can detect early signs of flu and COVID-19. Take part by filling out a quick survey in the Fitbit app:”
Fitbit revealed that it would undergo some sort of study called Fitbit COVID-19 study. This study will help to know if the Fitbit can track any such virus. They said that the study is to “help determine whether Fitbit can help build an algorithm to detect COVID-19 before symptoms start”. It is also looking for participants who are 21 or older and who have or had COVID-19 or related symptoms.
Apple and Fitbit together
Apple Watch and Fitbit both are coming together with the Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab for COVID-19 real study. The Stanford Lab will get in touch with anyone who uses a wearable device. Also, anyone who had confirmed or was suspected to be a coronavirus patient will be approached to conduct the research. Not only Fitbit and Apple but the people who use wearable devices of Oura Ring or Empatica or any other wearables will be approached for the study.
The Study: DETECT for Covid-19
A study by Scripps Research Translational Institute’s DETECT (Detect Engagement & Tracking for Early Control & Treatment) is also in progress. Dr. Jennifer Radin, the epidemiologist at the DETECT study said: “In light of the ongoing flu season and the global pandemic of COVID-19, we see enormous opportunity to improve disease tracking for improved population health”.
