App launched in Sweden to help track spread of the coronavirus
A new app has been launched with the aim of mapping the spread of the coronavirus across Sweden, after similar initiatives in other countries, but the Public Health Agency is sceptical about how useful the data will be.
The app has been launched by Lund University and is a version of an app which has been used in the UK for one month, where more than 2.5 million people have signed up to register their symptoms, and in the USA for two weeks.
"The [British] public health system NHS has called on citizens to download the app, and they use the data for decision-making," said Paul Franks, a professor in genetic epidemiology at Lund University, who worked on the development of the Swedish app.
Similar symptom-tracking apps are being used elsewhere, including in Norway.
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LATEST UPDATES: Follow the latest news on the coronavirus in Sweden here
The app was launched in Sweden on Wednesday morning, and in its first day was downloaded by more than 2,000 people. Franks said: "I am optimistic that we can map out the spread of symptoms in the country."
In a recent article for The Conversation, the professor explained "Combining nationwide self-reported data with directly assessed seroprevalence testing is likely to be a highly effective way of tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2."
But the Public Health Agency, the body that is largely managing Sweden's coronavirus response, was sceptical over how useful the app would be, saying that it already has its own data. On Monday, the agency halted a digital tool that the Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) had put together, which had various features including recording symptoms.
State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell explained the decision by saying: "In this situation our assessment is that the risks [of the app] were significantly greater than the advantages which would have been very small."
Commenting on the new app from Lund University, he said: "I really hope that they have done it with collaboration with the regions, who are going to need to handle the increased pressure if it occurs." In Sweden, it's the 21 individual regions who are responsible for management of healthcare.
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Paul Franks said he thought it unlikely that a symptom-tracking app would cause any increased burden for healthcare services.
"I don't know what data they're basing that statement on. It would be interesting to see it, because it's not the experience from other countries where the app is used," he said. "But I think there is quite a big difference between our app and the one MSB developed, since our app is less invasive and doesn't put forward any diagnoses."
The Lund University team informed the Public Health Agency at the start of April that work was underway on the app, but it has taken time due to the need to get legal and ethical permits.
Franks said: "We haven't had any detailed communication [with the Public Health Agency]. If the data is helpful for them, we will happily share it."
The Public Health Agency has also used other kinds of data to help in its calculations around the coronavirus. For example, mobile network Telia has shared anonymised data on users' movements, which showed a significant decrease in travel around the Easter holiday weekend.
The agency is also currently carrying out randomised testing on individuals across the country to get a better picture of the spread of the virus, following randomised testing in Stockholm -- the epicentre of the outbreak in Sweden -- a few weeks ago.
What should you be doing to help reduce the rate of infection?
In Sweden, the official advice requires everyone to:
-
Stay at home if you have any cold- or flu-like symptoms, even if they are mild and you would normally continue life as normal. Stay at home until you have been fully symptom-free for at least two days.
-
Practise good hygiene, by regularly and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, using hand sanitiser when that's not possible, and covering any coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
-
Keep distance from all other people when in public places. That includes shops, parks, museums, and on the street, for example. The World Health Organisation recommends keeping at least a 1.5-2 metre distance.
-
Avoid large gatherings, including parties, weddings, and other activities.
-
Work from home if you can. Employers have been asked to ensure this happens where possible.
-
Avoid all non-essential travel, both within and outside Sweden. That includes visits to family, planned holidays, and any other trips that can be avoided.
-
If you have to travel, avoid busy times such as rush hour if you can. This reduces the number of people on public transport and makes it easier for people to keep their distance.
-
If you are over 70 or belong to a high-risk group, you should stay at home and reduce all social contacts. Avoid going to the shops (get groceries delivered or try to find someone who can help you), but you can go outside if you keep distance from other people. Read more about the help available to those in risk groups here.
-
By following these precautions, we can all help to protect those who are most at risk and to reduce the rate of infection, which in turn reduces the burden on Sweden's healthcare sector.
-
Read more detail about the precautions we should all be taking in this paywall-free article. Advice in English is also available from Sweden's Public Health Agency and the World Health Organisation.
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The app has been launched by Lund University and is a version of an app which has been used in the UK for one month, where more than 2.5 million people have signed up to register their symptoms, and in the USA for two weeks.
"The [British] public health system NHS has called on citizens to download the app, and they use the data for decision-making," said Paul Franks, a professor in genetic epidemiology at Lund University, who worked on the development of the Swedish app.
Similar symptom-tracking apps are being used elsewhere, including in Norway.
- LATEST UPDATES: Follow the latest news on the coronavirus in Sweden here
The app was launched in Sweden on Wednesday morning, and in its first day was downloaded by more than 2,000 people. Franks said: "I am optimistic that we can map out the spread of symptoms in the country."
In a recent article for The Conversation, the professor explained "Combining nationwide self-reported data with directly assessed seroprevalence testing is likely to be a highly effective way of tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2."
But the Public Health Agency, the body that is largely managing Sweden's coronavirus response, was sceptical over how useful the app would be, saying that it already has its own data. On Monday, the agency halted a digital tool that the Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) had put together, which had various features including recording symptoms.
State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell explained the decision by saying: "In this situation our assessment is that the risks [of the app] were significantly greater than the advantages which would have been very small."
Commenting on the new app from Lund University, he said: "I really hope that they have done it with collaboration with the regions, who are going to need to handle the increased pressure if it occurs." In Sweden, it's the 21 individual regions who are responsible for management of healthcare.
-
New figures reveal how the coronavirus is spreading in Stockholm
- Sweden publishes new statistics on coronavirus death toll
Paul Franks said he thought it unlikely that a symptom-tracking app would cause any increased burden for healthcare services.
"I don't know what data they're basing that statement on. It would be interesting to see it, because it's not the experience from other countries where the app is used," he said. "But I think there is quite a big difference between our app and the one MSB developed, since our app is less invasive and doesn't put forward any diagnoses."
The Lund University team informed the Public Health Agency at the start of April that work was underway on the app, but it has taken time due to the need to get legal and ethical permits.
Franks said: "We haven't had any detailed communication [with the Public Health Agency]. If the data is helpful for them, we will happily share it."
The Public Health Agency has also used other kinds of data to help in its calculations around the coronavirus. For example, mobile network Telia has shared anonymised data on users' movements, which showed a significant decrease in travel around the Easter holiday weekend.
The agency is also currently carrying out randomised testing on individuals across the country to get a better picture of the spread of the virus, following randomised testing in Stockholm -- the epicentre of the outbreak in Sweden -- a few weeks ago.
In Sweden, the official advice requires everyone to:
-
Stay at home if you have any cold- or flu-like symptoms, even if they are mild and you would normally continue life as normal. Stay at home until you have been fully symptom-free for at least two days.
-
Practise good hygiene, by regularly and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, using hand sanitiser when that's not possible, and covering any coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
-
Keep distance from all other people when in public places. That includes shops, parks, museums, and on the street, for example. The World Health Organisation recommends keeping at least a 1.5-2 metre distance.
-
Avoid large gatherings, including parties, weddings, and other activities.
-
Work from home if you can. Employers have been asked to ensure this happens where possible.
-
Avoid all non-essential travel, both within and outside Sweden. That includes visits to family, planned holidays, and any other trips that can be avoided.
-
If you have to travel, avoid busy times such as rush hour if you can. This reduces the number of people on public transport and makes it easier for people to keep their distance.
-
If you are over 70 or belong to a high-risk group, you should stay at home and reduce all social contacts. Avoid going to the shops (get groceries delivered or try to find someone who can help you), but you can go outside if you keep distance from other people. Read more about the help available to those in risk groups here.
-
By following these precautions, we can all help to protect those who are most at risk and to reduce the rate of infection, which in turn reduces the burden on Sweden's healthcare sector.
- Read more detail about the precautions we should all be taking in this paywall-free article. Advice in English is also available from Sweden's Public Health Agency and the World Health Organisation.
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