A screenshot of the PC-Covid Vietnam app on Google Play Store (Photo: VNA)

Nguyen Quang Dong, Director of the Institute for Policy Research and Media Development, says that since the pandemic began, technology has been an important part of pandemic prevention and control. Now that the government has changed its strategy to co-existence with pandemic, a different technological approach is called for.

“Over the last year and a half, we have used technology for contact tracing and isolation management. But on a broad scale, technology can be used to collect data and help make decisions on pandemic prevention and control. Technology has supported administrative procedures like issuing travel certificates, as well as support social operations, particularly during the lockdown period. When we can analyze information about a situation, we can make more precise forecasts, scenarios, and decisions,” Dong said.

Mr. Dong said that in the “new normal”, technology should collect the data needed to make decisions, manage, respond, and allocate resources. It should also support administrative procedures, particularly interprovincial travel regulations.

“When social distancing rules are relaxed, vaccinated people who have inter-provincial travel plans need to get licenses. Functional agencies should use technology to issue permits without direct contact. People can travel freely nationwide without having to stop at quarantine sites. Administrative procedures in all sectors should go online and accept online payment. Technological applications in all fields will improve overall efficiency,” said Dong.