As the world embraces a new post-pandemic reality, an Italian start-up has come up with a novel way to maintain social distancing: an electronic bracelet that informs users when they are too close to others.

The device also tells users if they have come into contact with someone who later tests positive -- key to tracing cases that have allowed some countries to keep their coronavirus cases under control.

The gadget has already been adopted by some businesses hoping it may prove handy -- maybe even life-saving -- as Italy emerges from its months-long lockdown.

"We've already received orders from seaside resorts, hotel chains, schools and companies," said Antonello Barracane, manager of MetaWellness, the firm behind the bracelet.

The Bari-based company came up with the "Labby Light" bracelet that vibrates when another person comes within a one metre (over three foot) range.

The device also tracks other bracelets around it, so if someone later tests positive for the virus it will alert those who came in close contact with that user.

The bracelet sells for 25 euros ($27) and traces contact via a chip that can be removed and worn in a mask or an electronic key.

A similar bracelet has been developed by the Belgian company Rombit, which said in mid-April that workers at the port of Antwerp would test it.

Both companies say their devices guarantee privacy.

Giuseppe Di Bari, a Bari-based dentist, has started using the device at his practice to ensure clients don't get too close to each other.

When patients arrive they are equipped with a mask, shoe coverings and an electronic bracelet.

The device could also come in handy if a client falls ill later and suspects they may have caught the virus at the dentist.

"I would be able to prove that he has not been in contact with any positive person and that social distancing was observed at least during his stay on my premises," the dentist said.

Related Links
Bringing Order To A World Of Disasters
A world of storm and tempest
When the Earth Quakes

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Facebook to pay $52 mn settlement for trauma to content reviewers
San Francisco (AFP) May 12, 2020
Facebook has agreed to a $52 million court settlement to compensate content moderators who suffered mental trauma from the graphic and violent images they were required to review, plaintiff lawyers said Tuesday. The agreement submitted to a California state court will include payments to more than 10,000 current and former content moderators who worked for firms contracted by Facebook. The class-action lawsuit filed in 2018 claimed that the content reviewers were subject to psychological trauma ... read more