Covid-19: Germany launches smartwatch app to monitor coronavirus spread

Empty streets are seen, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) continues, in Munich, Germany. Germany has the fourth highest Covid-19 caseload behind the US, Spain and Italy at nearly 100,000 but has kept fatalities down to a relatively low 1,600 thanks to early and extensive testing. — Reuters

BERLIN: Germany's public health authority launched a smartwatch app on March 7 in partnership with healthtech startup Thryve to help monitor the spread of Covid-19 and analyse whether measures to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic are working.

The Corona-Datenspende (Corona Data Donation) app gathers vital signs from volunteers wearing smartwatches or fitness trackers — including pulse, temperature and sleep — to analyse whether they are symptomatic of the flu-like illness.