IT and its impact on the pandemic

As a result, the virus was not taken seriously and was able to spread rapidly. But how can IT help to contain the pandemic? In addition to QR codes, central test management, digital vaccination certificates, coronavirus apps, etc., so-called water samples have been the subject of much discussion lately. In contrast to the other IT areas mentioned, a preventive approach can be taken here. Scientific wastewater testing shows that the development of case numbers is identical to the concentration of viruses (COVID-19) in wastewater. These measurements can provide information about the current infection situation, the next wave, or new pandemics. Instead of millions of tests, a few water samples are sufficient. Due to the lack of unreported cases, these results are more accurate. For example, the British mutation was measured at 17% in Vienna's wastewater on January 11 and at 71% in Bad Vöslau on January 12.

Once the spread is known, tests should be carried out to determine who is infected. In terms of data protection, water samples provide a quick, anonymous overview of the current situation. This cannot be achieved with mass testing.

Thus, IT, in this example big data, can be used to make general statements – personal data is not always necessary for this.

We are happy to help you strike a balance between useful data and GDPR-compliant data collection. In addition to data quality, access to the data – i.e., who is allowed to see what and who is allowed to evaluate it – also plays a very important role. Data collection without meaningful evaluation is of no use. The most important thing is: What question do I want to answer? Because there is plenty of data available.