Digital handshake: Can contact tracing deliver on its promise in coronavirus battle?

A Swiss soldier showing on a mobile device the contact tracking application created by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), using Bluetooth and a design called Decentralised Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (DP-3T), which will be launched on May 11 by the Swiss Government for easing of the lockdown caused by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, at the Chamblon barracks, Switzerland. The question of whether the apps can deliver on their promise is a matter of debate, with researchers warning that mobile phones are no silver bullet against Covid-19. — Reuters

TBILISI: As countries around the world ease the lockdowns that have been crippling their economies, the race is on to develop smartphone apps to help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus when people are no longer confined to their homes.

Scientists say contact tracing is key to prevent a resurgence of the virus, by tracking down infected people and finding everyone who has been near them, so they can get tested or quarantined.