China's government has partnered with tech giants Alibaba and Tencent to roll out a color-coded QR code system. This innovative tool assigns residents a health status code, dictating quarantine periods to stem COVID-19 spread.
As reported by the South China Morning Post on February 21, 2020, COVID-19 cases neared 77,000 confirmed with 2,247 deaths and 10,438 recoveries. While new infections dropped sharply, vigilance remained essential.
In a key escalation against the outbreak, Reuters noted on February 17 that a new app, developed with Alibaba and Tencent, assigns QR codes reflecting health status. Launched first in Hangzhou—under lockdown like Wuhan—users submit ID details, travel history, and symptoms like fever or cough via an online form.
The scannable QR code acts as a digital pass for accessing offices, hospitals, and supermarkets. Colors indicate restrictions:
• Red: 14-day home quarantine.
• Yellow: 7-day quarantine.
• Green: Unrestricted movement.
After testing in Hangzhou, the system is poised for nationwide rollout.
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