ePandemic
 — Tan Bee Guan

Pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through populations across a large region; for instance, a continent or even worldwide.

So what has Information Technology (IT) got to do with a pandemic?

In an unexpected flu pandemic, the role of IT is not only to ensure continuation of essential supported services, it is also crucial that relevant eServices are developed quickly and made available to support the management of a pandemic outbreak.

An unmanaged crisis may create panic fatigue that may trigger undesired outcome.  Whether the emergency management team is able to act quickly and efficiently depends largely on its capabilities in attaining timely and accurately interpreted data.  Therefore, it is important to develop eServices that are user-centric and is accessible by staff and students anytime, anywhere.

This is where Computer Centre comes into the picture.  We develop eServices for temperature screening, visitor tracking and travel declaration, all of which effectively support the needs of the crises management team.

"Temperature Screening" is a self help service used by NUS staff and students to report their temperature readings via the internet or SMS.  This is then made available to the respective departmental administrators, emergency teams and senior management to monitor and for follow-up actions, if necessary.

"Visitor Tracking" is an eService that captures personal data by scanning the staff card, student matric card or Visitor's ID card and stores the temperature reading details in the central database.

"Travel Declaration" is an eService that allows staff and students to declare their overseas travel information and health status after returning from affected pandemic areas.

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