Worksite in Tampines, Singapore, managed by Surbana Jurong, is testing the application of a new BluePass contact tracking gadget and a check-in system to curb coronavirus spread. According to a report by The Straits Times on July 17, more than 400 workers were issued a BluePass wrist-mounted gadget and used Bluetooth technology to interact with other users in the vicinity every 5-10 minutes.
The new contact tracing and control system gives the managing company, Surbana Jurong, greater awareness and control of the social engagement of coronavirus patients to reduce the spread of the virus within the worksite. Notably, this new step is essential to circumvent another epidemic and shut down the economy.
COVID-19 spread management system
Moreover, the technology and gadget being tested were created by Temasek-backed cryptographic firm D’Crypt.The BluePass contact tracking and check-in system could even potentially enhance the national contact tracing gadget, TraceTogether Token, and the compulsory blockchain-based check-in system dubbed SafeEntry.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Surbana Jurong, Mr. Wong Heang Fine, data retention and control over contact tracing is very important for firms. Recording the data of people who were close to the coronavirus patient and tracing the areas the victim had taken so that possibly infected personnel could be detached from the rest of the patient. In addition, the affected regions can be closed for fumigation without having a major effect on worksite operations.
BluePass contact tracing and check-in system for effective workforce management
g On the other hand, the company that developed a national contact tracing gadget, GovTech, does not provide companies with access to the data collected due to privacy issues. According to reports, Singapore’s Ministry of Health takes about 24 hours to notify the company of a potentially infected worker. As a safety measure, most companies quarantine the entire facility waiting for further instructions.
Like the TraceTogether Token, the BluePass Gadget uses Bluetooth signal exchanges to log in to nearby users every five to ten minutes. In addition, each BluePass token is connected to a contact number and the last four NRIC, FIN, or passport numbers of the holder are encoded on the gadget.