The South African government is currently under pressure to scale up screening and testing for Coronavirus infection in communities. In a bid to contain the virus and monitor related symptoms among staff and students, the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has introduced an innovative App which was established by Professor Ayo Yusuf.
“We pride ourselves as being the first University to launch such a real-time screening tool for staff and students before returning to campus in order to ensure collective safety. This has received the support of the Student Representative Council and organised Labour”, said Dr Eric Pule, University Spokesperson.
He believes that the App will alleviate pressure on the government and other health professionals to provide regular screenings at no cost.”Our staff and students on campus will be able to daily self-check on their health status by answering a series of questions about symptoms known to be associated with coronavirus infection, including any possible recent exposures and testing. Based on the responses provided together with exposure history weighted higher than others, the App then provided a risk score with relevant recommendations and next steps,” Pule said.
The COVID-19 monitor Web APP can be accessed through the SMU website According to Pule, the risks scores are colour coded and indicated either to contact a medical provider or to call the national department of health’s hotline number that appears on the risk report dashboard.
“The App will support the plans by the department of higher education training, science and technology to save the academic year of 2020, while also appropriately responding to the call to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. It will contribute and support the recommended 360-degree screening/ testing of students and staff returning to our campus,” concluded Pule.
