Digital surveillance tools for contact tracking of infected persons by SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Background: In times of pandemic, case management and tracking people with contact can be differential elements for controlling the spread. The objective of this review was to evaluate the digital tools used to track contacts of people infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A systematic exploratory review was conducted in the electronic databases Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science on May 29, 2020 through the descriptors: coronavirus, digital surveillance and contact tracing. A total of 11 studies were finally selected. Results: The results showed that some countries are implementing digital tools for contact tracking through mobile apps that allow user data to be shared via the device’s GPS and/or Bluetooth. The terms on the privacy and confidentiality of the population data are, in some cases, questionable. Conclusions: The use of digital surveillance tools to track contacts of people infected with an infectious disease, such as SARS-CoV-2, can be key to reducing the number of people infected and reducing the spread of the virus.