WHO singles out Oman’s tech solution in fighting COVID-19

The COVID-19 tracking app launched by Oman’s Ministry of Health, called the Tarassud+ has been mentioned by World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the most powerful technological solutions deployed to date in the Middle East to track the movement and spread of COVID-19 and ensure patient compliance with isolation measures.

The app broadcasts the latest updates on the number of people infected with COVID-19 in the Sultanate, and has a tracking system for infected persons under isolation. The app, which is available on App store and Google Play, has been downloaded by many in Oman and the number of users of this app are steadily on the increase. Tarassud+ has visibly strengthened the efforts of all health institutions in the Sultanate to reach and treat those suspected persons infected with COVID-19.

This app is a combination of a mobile application using artificial intelligence, with enhanced features that include up-to-date COVID-19 statistics, guidelines and best practices to prevent the spread of infection. The application also enables access to medical hotlines and support staff so that patients can discuss their symptoms and be directed to facilities where they can access care. Once patients are diagnosed, a medical tracking bracelet connected to the application ensures that they stay at home for the duration of their quarantine or isolation.

Citizens and residents

The Tarassud+ app is available in Arabic, English, Hindi, Bengali and Urdu, in an effort to cater to both citizens and residents in Oman.

Dr Adil Al Wahaibi, Director of Surveillance in Oman’s Ministry of Health, mentioned in his statement that “information is crucial if we are to effectively fight the coronavirus, and this kind of epidemiological data will help us better understand how it spreads, while limiting new infections”.

The platform is also an effective way to combat misinformation about the spread of the virus and, if it is more widely distributed, can help limit future outbreaks through early detection of symptoms and effective contact tracing. Officials say it may be used in the future to guarantee that individuals who test positive for the coronavirus cannot access crowded places such as malls and mosques.

The capital Muscat has established a round-the-clock Centre of Operation Management to sift through COVID-19 data and conduct epidemiological surveillance to track the spread of the virus effectively.