Acceptability of app-based contact tracing for COVID-19: Cross-country survey evidence

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest public health crisis of the last 100 years. Countries have responded with various levels of lockdown to save lives and stop health systems from being overwhelmed. At the same time, lockdowns entail large socio-economic costs. One exit strategy under consideration is a mobile phone app that traces close contacts of those infected with COVID-19. Recent research has demonstrated the theoretical effectiveness of this solution in different disease settings. However, concerns have been raised about such apps because of the potential privacy implications. This could limit the acceptability of app-based contact tracing among the general population. As the effectiveness of this approach increases strongly with app take-up, it is crucial to understand public support for this intervention.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to investigate user acceptability of a contact-tracing app in five countries hit by the pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a multi-country, large-scale (N = 5995) study to measure public support for digital contact tracing of COVID-19 infections. We ran anonymous online surveys in France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the US. We measured intentions to use a contact-tracing app across different installation regimes (voluntary installation vs. automatic installation by mobile phone providers), and studied how these intentions vary across individuals and countries.ResultsWe found strong support for the app under both regimes, in all countries, across all sub-groups of the population, and irrespective of regional-level COVID-19 mortality rates. We investigated the main factors that may hinder or facilitate take-up and found that concerns about cyber security and privacy, together with lack of trust in government, are the main barriers to adoption.ConclusionsEpidemiological evidence shows that app-based contact-tracing can suppress the spread of COVID-19 if a high enough proportion of the population uses the app and that it can still reduce the number of infections if take-up is moderate. Our findings show that the willingness to install the app is very high. The available evidence suggests that app-based contact tracing may be a viable approach to control the diffusion of COVID-19.

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Acceptability of App-Based Contact Tracing for COVID-19: Cross-Country Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19857 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Samuel Altmann ◽

Luke Milsom ◽

Hannah Zillessen ◽

Raffaele Blasone ◽

Frederic Gerdon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mobile Phone ◽

Public Support ◽

Strong Support ◽

The United States ◽

Survey Study ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Health Crisis ◽

User Acceptability ◽

The Government ◽

Viable Approach

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest public health crisis of the last 100 years. Countries have responded with various levels of lockdown to save lives and stop health systems from being overwhelmed. At the same time, lockdowns entail large socioeconomic costs. One exit strategy under consideration is a mobile phone app that traces the close contacts of those infected with COVID-19. Recent research has demonstrated the theoretical effectiveness of this solution in different disease settings. However, concerns have been raised about such apps because of the potential privacy implications. This could limit the acceptability of app-based contact tracing in the general population. As the effectiveness of this approach increases strongly with app uptake, it is crucial to understand public support for this intervention. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to investigate the user acceptability of a contact-tracing app in five countries hit by the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a largescale, multicountry study (N=5995) to measure public support for the digital contact tracing of COVID-19 infections. We ran anonymous online surveys in France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We measured intentions to use a contact-tracing app across different installation regimes (voluntary installation vs automatic installation by mobile phone providers) and studied how these intentions vary across individuals and countries. RESULTS We found strong support for the app under both regimes, in all countries, across all subgroups of the population, and irrespective of regional-level COVID-19 mortality rates. We investigated the main factors that may hinder or facilitate uptake and found that concerns about cybersecurity and privacy, together with a lack of trust in the government, are the main barriers to adoption. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiological evidence shows that app-based contact tracing can suppress the spread of COVID-19 if a high enough proportion of the population uses the app and that it can still reduce the number of infections if uptake is moderate. Our findings show that the willingness to install the app is very high. The available evidence suggests that app-based contact tracing may be a viable approach to control the diffusion of COVID-19.

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Acceptability of App-Based Contact Tracing for COVID-19: Cross-Country Survey Study

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/19857 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. e19857 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Samuel Altmann ◽

Luke Milsom ◽

Hannah Zillessen ◽

Raffaele Blasone ◽

Frederic Gerdon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mobile Phone ◽

Public Support ◽

Strong Support ◽

The United States ◽

Survey Study ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Health Crisis ◽

User Acceptability ◽

The Government ◽

Viable Approach

Background The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest public health crisis of the last 100 years. Countries have responded with various levels of lockdown to save lives and stop health systems from being overwhelmed. At the same time, lockdowns entail large socioeconomic costs. One exit strategy under consideration is a mobile phone app that traces the close contacts of those infected with COVID-19. Recent research has demonstrated the theoretical effectiveness of this solution in different disease settings. However, concerns have been raised about such apps because of the potential privacy implications. This could limit the acceptability of app-based contact tracing in the general population. As the effectiveness of this approach increases strongly with app uptake, it is crucial to understand public support for this intervention. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the user acceptability of a contact-tracing app in five countries hit by the pandemic. Methods We conducted a largescale, multicountry study (N=5995) to measure public support for the digital contact tracing of COVID-19 infections. We ran anonymous online surveys in France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We measured intentions to use a contact-tracing app across different installation regimes (voluntary installation vs automatic installation by mobile phone providers) and studied how these intentions vary across individuals and countries. Results We found strong support for the app under both regimes, in all countries, across all subgroups of the population, and irrespective of regional-level COVID-19 mortality rates. We investigated the main factors that may hinder or facilitate uptake and found that concerns about cybersecurity and privacy, together with a lack of trust in the government, are the main barriers to adoption. Conclusions Epidemiological evidence shows that app-based contact tracing can suppress the spread of COVID-19 if a high enough proportion of the population uses the app and that it can still reduce the number of infections if uptake is moderate. Our findings show that the willingness to install the app is very high. The available evidence suggests that app-based contact tracing may be a viable approach to control the diffusion of COVID-19.

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Public Health Emergency and Crisis Management: Case Study of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17113984 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (11) ◽

pp. 3984 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Hemin Choi ◽

Wonhyuk Cho ◽

Min-Hyu Kim ◽

Joon-Young Hur

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

South Korea ◽

Crisis Management ◽

Call Center ◽

Large Scale ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Major Cluster

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused an unparalleled public health crisis, delivering an immense shock to humanity. With the virus’s health consequences largely unknown, different health systems around the globe have pursued various avenues of crisis management. South Korea, troubled early by the virus, was once the second most affected nation in the world. Arrays of measures in South Korea, such as large-scale diagnostic testing and technology-based comprehensive contact tracing, have brought about debates among public health experts and medical professionals. This case study describes the major cluster transmissions in SARS-CoV-2 hotspots in South Korea (such as a religious sect, a call center, logistics facilities, and nightclubs) and offers early observations on how South Korean public health authorities acted in response to the initial outbreak of the virus and to the new waves prompted by re-opening economies. We then discuss the way in which South Korea’s experience can act as a reference for shaping other countries’ public health strategies in pandemic crisis management.

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SIREN protocol: Impact of detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 on the subsequent incidence of COVID-19 in 100,000 healthcare workers: do antibody positive healthcare workers have less reinfection than antibody negative healthcare workers?

10.1101/2020.12.15.20247981 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

S. Wallace ◽

V. Hall ◽

A. Charlett ◽

P.D. Kirwan ◽

M.J. Cole ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Large Scale ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Study Entry ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Staff Members ◽

Viral Culture ◽

The Uk ◽

Prospective Longitudinal ◽

The Impact

AbstractBackgroundThe overall risk of reinfection in individuals who have previously had COVID-19 is unknown. To determine if prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (as determined by at least one positive commercial antibody test performed in a laboratory) in healthcare workers confers future immunity to reinfection, we are undertaking a large-scale prospective longitudinal cohort study of healthcare staff across the United Kingdom.MethodsPopulation and Setting: staff members of healthcare organisations working in hospitals in the UKAt recruitment, participants will have their serum tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 at baseline and using these results will be initially allocated to either antibody positive or antibody negative cohorts. Participants will undergo antibody and viral RNA testing at 1-4 weekly intervals throughout the study period, and based on these results may move between cohorts. Any results from testing undertaken for other reasons (e.g. symptoms, contact tracing etc.) or prior to study entry will also be included. Individuals will complete enrolment and fortnightly questionnaires on exposures and symptoms. Follow-up will be for at least 12 months from study entry.OutcomeThe primary outcome of interest is a reinfection with SARS -CoV-2 during the study period. Secondary outcomes will include incidence and prevalence (both RNA and antibody) of SARS-CoV-2, viral genomics, viral culture, symptom history and antibody/neutralising antibody titres.ConclusionThis large study will help us to understand the impact of the presence of antibodies on the risk of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2; the results will have substantial implications in terms of national and international policy, as well as for risk management of contacts of COVID-19 cases.Trial RegistrationIRAS ID 284460, HRA and Health and Care Research Wales approval granted 22 May 2020.

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Public health emergency and crisis management: Case study of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

10.26686/wgtn.14376410 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

H Choi ◽

Wonhyuk Cho ◽

MH Kim ◽

JY Hur

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

South Korea ◽

Crisis Management ◽

Call Center ◽

Large Scale ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Major Cluster

© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused an unparalleled public health crisis, delivering an immense shock to humanity. With the virus’s health consequences largely unknown, different health systems around the globe have pursued various avenues of crisis management. South Korea, troubled early by the virus, was once the second most affected nation in the world. Arrays of measures in South Korea, such as large-scale diagnostic testing and technology-based comprehensive contact tracing, have brought about debates among public health experts and medical professionals. This case study describes the major cluster transmissions in SARS-CoV-2 hotspots in South Korea (such as a religious sect, a call center, logistics facilities, and nightclubs) and offers early observations on how South Korean public health authorities acted in response to the initial outbreak of the virus and to the new waves prompted by re-opening economies. We then discuss the way in which South Korea’s experience can act as a reference for shaping other countries’ public health strategies in pandemic crisis management.

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Public health emergency and crisis management: Case study of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

10.26686/wgtn.14376410.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

H Choi ◽

Wonhyuk Cho ◽

MH Kim ◽

JY Hur

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

South Korea ◽

Crisis Management ◽

Call Center ◽

Large Scale ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Major Cluster

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Determining the optimal strategy for reopening schools, work and society in the UK: balancing earlier opening and the impact of test and trace strategies with the risk of occurrence of a secondary COVID-19 pandemic wave

10.1101/2020.06.01.20100461 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths ◽

Cliff Kerr ◽

Robyn Margaret Stuart ◽

Dina Mistry ◽

Daniel Klein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Reproduction Number ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Cumulative Number ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Uk Government ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact ◽

Pandemic Wave

Background In order to slow down the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government has imposed strict physical distancing (lockdown) measures including school 'dismissals' since 23 March 2020. As evidence is emerging that these measures may have slowed the spread of the pandemic, it is important to assess the impact of any changes in strategy, including scenarios for school reopening and broader relaxation of social distancing. This work uses an individual-based model to predict the impact of a suite of possible strategies to reopen schools in the UK, including that currently proposed by the UK government. Methods We use Covasim, a stochastic agent-based model for transmission of COVID-19, calibrated to the UK epidemic. The model describes individuals' contact networks stratified as household, school, work and community layers, and uses demographic and epidemiological data from the UK. We simulate a range of different school reopening strategies with a society-wide relaxation of lockdown measures and in the presence of different non-pharmaceutical interventions, to estimate the number of new infections, cumulative cases and deaths, as well as the effective reproduction number with different strategies. To account for uncertainties within the stochastic simulation, we also simulated different levels of infectiousness of children and young adults under 20 years old compared to older ages. Findings We found that with increased levels of testing of people (between 25% and 72% of symptomatic people tested at some point during an active COVID-19 infection depending on scenarios) and effective contact-tracing and isolation for infected individuals, an epidemic rebound may be prevented across all reopening scenarios, with the effective reproduction number (R) remaining below one and the cumulative number of new infections and deaths significantly lower than they would be if testing did not increase. If UK schools reopen in phases from June 2020, prevention of a second wave would require testing 51% of symptomatic infections, tracing of 40% of their contacts, and isolation of symptomatic and diagnosed cases. However, without such measures, reopening of schools together with gradual relaxing of the lockdown measures are likely to induce a secondary pandemic wave, as are other scenarios for reopening. When infectiousness of <20 year olds was varied from 100% to 50% of that of older ages, our findings remained unchanged. Interpretation To prevent a secondary COVID-19 wave, relaxation of social distancing including reopening schools in the UK must be implemented alongside an active large-scale population-wide testing of symptomatic individuals and effective tracing of their contacts, followed by isolation of symptomatic and diagnosed individuals. Such combined measures have a greater likelihood of controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and preventing a large number of COVID-19 deaths than reopening schools and society with the current level of implementation of testing and isolation of infected individuals.

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Sharing linked data sets for research: results from a deliberative public engagement event in British Columbia, Canada

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v4i1.1103 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jack Teng ◽

Colene Bentley ◽

Michael M Burgess ◽

Kieran C O'Doherty ◽

Kimberlyn M McGrail

Keyword(s):

British Columbia ◽

Data Sharing ◽

Linked Data ◽

Public Support ◽

Data Access ◽

Security And Privacy ◽

Data Sets ◽

Privacy And Security ◽

The Public ◽

The Uk

IntroductionResearch using linked data sets can lead to new insights and discoveries that positively impact society. However, the use of linked data raises concerns relating to illegitimate use, privacy, and security (e.g., identity theft, marginalization of some groups). It is increasingly recognized that the public needs to be consulted to develop data access systems that consider both the potential benefits and risks of research. Indeed, there are examples of data sharing projects being derailed because of backlash in the absence of adequate consultation. (e.g., care.data in the UK). Objectives and methodsThis paper describes the results of a public deliberation event held in April 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The purpose of this event was to develop informed and civic-minded public advice regarding the use and the sharing of linked data for research with a focus on the processes and regulations employed to release data. The event brought together 23 members of the public over two weekends. ResultsParticipants developed and voted on 19 policy-relevant statements. Voting results and the rationale behind any disagreements are reported here. Taken together, these statements provide a broad view of public support and concerns regarding the use of linked data sets for research and offer guidance on measures that can be taken to improve the trustworthiness of policies and process around data sharing and use. ConclusionsGenerally, participants were supportive of research using linked data because of the value they provide to society. Participants expressed a desire to see the data access request process made more efficient to facilitate more research, as long as there are adequate protections in place around security and privacy of the data.

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Issues in security and privacy of big data

International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering ◽

10.23956/ijarcsse.v7i12.482 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Shaveta Bhatia

Keyword(s):

Cloud Computing ◽

Big Data ◽

Approximate Method ◽

Biomedical Research ◽

Cyber Security ◽

Data Science ◽

Third Party ◽

Security And Privacy ◽

Security Threats ◽

The Third

The epoch of the big data presents many opportunities for the development in the range of data science, biomedical research cyber security, and cloud computing. Nowadays the big data gained popularity. It also invites many provocations and upshot in the security and privacy of the big data. There are various type of threats, attacks such as leakage of data, the third party tries to access, viruses and vulnerability that stand against the security of the big data. This paper will discuss about the security threats and their approximate method in the field of biomedical research, cyber security and cloud computing.

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The Potential of Photoelectrochemical Carbon Sinks

10.26434/chemrxiv.6231140.v2 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Matthias May ◽

Kira Rehfeld

Keyword(s):

Global Warming ◽

High Temperature ◽

Greenhouse Gas ◽

Large Scale ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Carbon Sink ◽

Solar Fuels ◽

Negative Emissions ◽

Viable Approach ◽

Low Sensitivity

Greenhouse gas emissions must be cut to limit global warming to 1.5-2C above preindustrial levels. Yet the rate of decarbonisation is currently too low to achieve this. Policy-relevant scenarios therefore rely on the permanent removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. However, none of the envisaged technologies has demonstrated scalability to the decarbonization targets for the year 2050. In this analysis, we show that artificial photosynthesis for CO2 reduction may deliver an efficient large-scale carbon sink. This technology is mainly developed towards solar fuels and its potential for negative emissions has been largely overlooked. With high efficiency and low sensitivity to high temperature and illumination conditions, it could, if developed towards a mature technology, present a viable approach to fill the gap in the negative emissions budget.

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