Even though the global health crisis brought the world to a standstill, the augmented reality scene has been thriving. AR applications have been making quarantine a lot less stressful for people. At the same time, it is making social distancing easier to practice.
Augmented Reality and Social Distancing Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
The COVID-19 virus has claimed over a million deaths worldwide. One of the simplest ways you can protect yourself and everyone around you is by practicing social distancing. Until the world beats this virus, you should keep a safe distance in public.
According to the World Health Organization, you should refrain from going out unless you absolutely have to. You should stay at least a meter away from people when you’re in public spaces. Moreover, you should always wear a mask when you go out in public.
Social distancing limits the spread of the virus and helps flatten the curve. More importantly, it eases the stress on hospitals. Just by practicing social distancing, you can help the doctors and nurses who’ve been working tirelessly since the beginning of the year.
Google developed an augmented reality app called Sodar, which is available through Chrome on Android devices. It overlays social distancing guidelines in real-world environments. Once you open the app, it will show a 6-feet (2-meter) radius, so you can keep a safe distance from others.
AR AroundMe is a similar app that superimposes virtual social distancing guidelines in the physical world. It can measure your distance from other people. Then, it indicates a virtual 1-meter, 1.5-meter, and 2-meter (around 3-feet, 5-feet, and 6.5-feet) boundary. Coding Virtual Reality developed it to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Augmented Reality, Making Workplaces Safe
AR has been keeping workplaces safe from COVID-19, too. Along with new policies and regulations at work, AR applications can prevent the spread of the virus by promoting social distancing.
The 1point5 app alerts you whenever another app user is too close. It only detects other apps that have been activated. If another user is too close to you, it will show the “High Risk, Danger” alert. Once you move away, it will tell you when you’re at a safe distance.
Since 1point5 only works if others around you have the app installed and activated, it is suitable for workplaces. If you’re living with frontliners, you can also use it to maintain social distancing measures in your home.
Although some countries have approved and administered COVID-19 vaccines, the world is far from defeating the virus. Until then, we all should do our part to help medical professionals and our communities.
Augmented reality makes it so much easier to practice social distancing. It can mitigate the spread of the virus in our homes and our workplaces.
