Samsung hands over 1 500 phones to support COVID-19 tracking efforts

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday 30 March that 10 000 field workers would be deployed to expand testing efforts and stop the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa.

Samsung and Telkom have been working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on developing a tracking and tracing system.

Samsung Telkom coronavirus covid-19
Arrival at EMS Centre, Midrand. Telkom Group CEO, Mr Sipho Maseko and Samsung CEO Mr Sung Yoon, will be handing over 1500 mobile handsets to support the tracking and tracing efforts. Image via Twitter: @DrZweliMkhize

A solution to stop the spread of COVID-19

According to Telkom, the novel tracing system is in line with global best practice promoted by WHO. In addition, it takes into account “South Africa’s unique circumstances which include high-income inequality, poverty and overcrowding”.

Telkom Group Chief Executive, Sipho Maseko, said that his team is “deeply concerned” about the spread of the pandemic and how it affects ordinary South Africans. He added:

“We are privileged to be able to contribute to this solution which we believe will help to significantly contain the spread of new infections”.

Telkom Group Chief Executive Sipho Maseko.
Samsung Telkom coronavirus covid-19
Caption: “We launched the mobile vans last night. Every district will be covered. Our testing capacity will be increased. We want you to cooperate.” / Image via Twitter: @DrZweliMkhize

How does the track and trace system work?

It “collates multiple data sources” – such as the Geographic Information System (GIS) – to track an affected person’s exposure, and who they may have been in contact with.

Samsung and Telkom on Thursday 2 April distributed 1 500 mobile handsets from the EMS Centre in Midrand to dedicated trackers across South Africa. CEO of Samsung SA, Sung Yoon, said:

“What we face is a generation-defining moment, a challenge unlike any other. However, our belief in Africa and its people remains steadfast and strong”.

Sung Yoon, CEO and President Samsung Africa
Samsung Telkom coronavirus covid-19
Image via Twitter: @DrZweliMkhize
Samsung Telkom coronavirus covid-19
Image via Twitter: @DrZweliMkhize

Yoon added that we will only be able to rise to the challenge if we work together as a country. The team demonstrated the tracing system in Midrand. The sim cards will be loaded with data every month.

Every district will be covered

According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the department launched mobile vans on Wednesday 1 April. He assured the press that every district will be covered and that the department’s “testing capacity will be increased.”

He acknowledged that the lockdown has been “very helpful” but warned that now is not the time to be complacent.

“We need to use the coming days to reach out to as many people as possible,” Mkhize added. Lastly, he called on all South Africans to cooperate in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Also read – SA government will be tracking mobile phones to curb COVID-19

Samsung Telkom coronavirus covid-19
Contact Tracing Demonstration in the EMS Operation Centre. Image via Twitter: @DrZweliMkhize


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