Technology and the Pandemic’s New Normal

The spread of the coronavirus has health officials searching for answers all around the globe. Governments are struggling to control the outbreak, ensure public health and maintain public order and safety while on lockdown. As of 29 April 2020, there have been 1,380,415 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) across Europe since the first cases were detected in France on 25 January. European countries are starting to look at how life would be in the “new normal” brought about by the pandemic. Looking ahead, they have been drawn into the potentials of technology.

Taiwan’s success in addressing the coronavirus pandemic is said to be largely because of its skillful use of technology. Even though it is only a hundred miles away from the epicenter of the virus, this country of almost 24 million people only has 429 confirmed cases and 6 deaths.

Taiwan has been using mobile phone location data to monitor the location and movements of suspected COVID-19 carriers. Described as a “digital fence,” it tracked the potential carriers in order to prevent further infection. Earlier this month, the country’s technology and science ministry also launched a disease prevention startup program, which aims to provide solutions to the public health crisis. Their inventions include novel disinfectant spray, contagion-preventing air conditioning and rapid-fire testing thermometers.

It is in this light that the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) are organizing a webinar entitled, “Harnessing technology to tackle COVID-19: What can Europe learn from Taiwan?” on 5 May 2020, 11:00 (CEST) 17:00 (GMT+8). Audrey Tang, Taiwan Digital Minister, will be presenting the different digital social innovations of Taiwan in addressing the coronavirus.

Are you interested to learn how Taiwan used technology and engaged its citizens to curb the spread of the disease? How did the Taiwanese government address and manage data protection and privacy concerns? What did Taiwan do differently – and are there any lessons for other countries? Click here to register.