UCLA has launched Stop COVID-19 Together to help fight the spread of COVID-19. The web-based app is a simple 5-minute survey that will enable the public to share real-time information about their exposure to the virus and specific symptoms.
The app was created by UCLA experts from a range of fields, including engineering, data science, clinical medicine, epidemiology and public health. Part of Team LA, the project is an initiative of the AI in Medicine program at the UCLA Department of Computational Medicine, which is a part of UCLA Health and UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. The survey is designed to help predict the spread of COVID-19 throughout Los Angeles and other regions. It has the potential to identify high-risk areas, assess the engagement and effectiveness of current mitigation measures, and inform public policy for future pandemics.
Based on user input, the system will generate a map of possible hotspots and will use artificial intelligence to predict where and when the disease will spread. The objective is to preemptively identify hotspots to minimize the risk of hospitals and medical centers becoming overloaded.
The information could also gauge how effective physical distancing is in slowing the spread of the virus. The public is encouraged to take the confidential survey so necessary data can be collected to help stop the pandemic.