From 'Confirmed Patient Movement' to 'Exorcism Charm'... The Fever for the 'New Coronavirus' App

When you run the 'Wuhan Pneumonia Contact Inspection' app, it shows the places visited by confirmed cases and allows users to check if they have had past contact with confirmed cases. Photo by App Screen Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) increases, applications that allow users to check whether they have been in contact with confirmed patients are gaining popularity.

According to Google Play on the 4th, the 'Wuhan Pneumonia Contact Check' app has been downloaded over 50,000 times. This app records the user's location in real-time by turning on the smartphone's GPS function during outdoor movement and compares it with the movement paths of confirmed patients.

The user's location is recorded hourly according to their movement route, and when new confirmed cases occur and their movement paths are disclosed, users can press the check button to verify. It is also possible to confirm past contact with confirmed patients through the app. The app developer stated, "We redeveloped the app originally created during the MERS outbreak to suit the novel coronavirus," adding, "It is based on publicly disclosed data of confirmed patients investigated by the government."

In addition, apps such as 'Wuhan Pneumonia Risk Map,' 'Wuhan Corona Real-time Statistics,' and 'Real-time Wuhan Pneumonia Alerts' provide real-time information on prevention methods and confirmed cases, and even a 'Warding Off Charm' app has appeared.

The 'Wuhan Pneumonia Risk Map' informs users of the current status of confirmed cases in real-time and organizes the hospitalization locations and transit points of confirmed patients in order of proximity to the user. The 'Wuhan Corona Real-time Statistics' app updates and provides information such as the number of infected and deceased in real-time. The 'Real-time Wuhan Pneumonia Alerts' app compiles related news articles and YouTube videos for users. Amid these circumstances, a humorous 'Warding Off Charm' app has also emerged, claiming to prevent Wuhan pneumonia through prayers and protective charms.

Previously, websites created by university students such as 'Corona Alimi' and 'Corona Map,' as well as the 'Real-time Situation Board' page developed by a developer couple, also attracted attention.

'Corona Map' displays the movement paths of confirmed patients, quarantine locations, and the number of symptomatic individuals on a map at a glance. 'Corona Alimi' shows the locations of confirmed patients and clinics based on the user's location. The real-time situation board provides information on the number of infected, deceased, and recovered cases worldwide, including Korea, China, Japan, and the United States.

These services are praised for their intuitive accessibility compared to the text-heavy Disease Control Headquarters website. Son Gayoung (30), an office worker who uses the 'Wuhan Pneumonia Contact Check' app during her commute, said, "Although I keep watching the news, it is difficult to remember all the information, but the app allows me to check my situation on a map, which is convenient."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.