Question

Information system is most important in disaster management, what do you think about performance of communication system in response for and management of covid-19 outbreak in KSA?

Answer 1

Saudi Arabia reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 3, 2020, and like many other countries implemented a nationwide lockdown in response to the pandemic. With the implementation of this mitigation regulation, the communication system has been established through digital solutions, and technology has enabled the provision of essential services.

The government of KSA has very well established the communication system with the help of digital platforms during the pandemic. The government and private sectors combined developed and launched approximately 19apps and platforms that serve public health functions and provide healthcare services. Education processes continued using an established electronic learning infrastructure with a promising direction toward wider adoption in the future. Notable of such electronic mode of communication is "Google meet" and "Zoom app".

Telecommunication companies exhibited smooth collaboration as well as initiatives to support ongoing efforts. Risk communication activities using social media, websites, and SMS text messaging followed best practice guides. Saudi Arabia is already using artificial intelligence which could be used in integrating different data sources for future outbreaks.

Since almost 96 percent of the Saudi population uses smartphones and 86% uses the internet on their mobile, laptop, desktop, and tablet, therefore it became easy for the government to inform and educate the population through digital mode which has worked immensely to contain the disease. There are many apps that have been developed by the government to update the citizens about the current situation of the spread of the disease and instructions to stay safe. In this context, few mobile applications have been developed worth mentioning.

Apps like Mawid and Sehhaty were developed for digital screening purposes. A person may choose these digital tools to screen their symptoms and epidemiological history. Digital tools like HESN(Health Electronic Surveillance Network) and Taqasi were developed for surveillance purposes. These provide information regarding confirmed cases to be added country's surveillance system. Similarly, a tool like Tabaud provided information likeliness of coming in contact with confirmed cases or if already contacted. Tetamman and Tawakkalna apps provide follow-up information of a quarantined patient with daily updation of their symptoms.

In conclusion, we can clearly observe that all those digital platforms and applications have really helped in the management of COVID-19 in KSA.