Uruguayan APP for Covid-19

Innovative response

1. Multichannel
Uruguay implemented a comprehensive and multi-channel digital strategy to face the coronavirus pandemic, with the aim of reaching different segments of the population with all the necessary information, without congesting face-to-face services and telephone communication, and especially facilitating patient care and monitoring patients with symptoms.
This strategy enabled the following channels to be available simultaneously: Toll Free Number, WhatsApp, Chatbot, Mobile Application, Messenger, as well as the website www.plancoronavirus.gub.uy.

The Uruguayan government in collaboration with private sector companies grouped in the Uruguayan Chamber of Information Technologies (CUTI) developed a specific App for attention to the health emergency: Coronavirus UY, which is currently implemented with more than 330,000 downloads. The App not only gives information, but also assists the population from the beginning of their symptoms, they can communicate with their health provider through Telemedicine (Ref. Law 19.869, on Telemedicine. Https://www.impo.com. uy / bases / laws / 19869-2020) .

This entire strategy is developed in accordance with national regulations, regarding the application of personal data protection regulations and their harmonization with other rights, duties and guarantees, as they deal with sensitive data, as established in the Opinion of the data protection control body of Uruguay. https://www.gub.uy/unidad-reguladora-control-datos-personales/institucional/normativa/dictamen-2020

Specific issues addressed and anticipated impact

The App is associated with a single case assistance tray that is carried out based on a protocol established by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), and a clinical assistance platform, which provides teleconsultation service to suspected and confirmed cases that do not need other assistance.

To unify and have a single database that allows rationalizing the response of clinically suspicious cases and vectors, organizing demand and assistance to the population, there is a unique form. In addition to digital channels, also the telephone exchanges of all the health providers and a line specially created to face the pandemic, which depends on the MSP provide information.