Where to buy face masks? Survey of applications using Taiwan's open data in the time of coronavirus disease 2019.

摘要: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had spread rapidly since late December 2019. Personal protective equipment was essential to prevent transmission. Owing shortage of face masks, Taiwan government began implement quasi rationing on February 6, 2020, by allowing each resident purchase two masks in seven days. National Health Insurance Administration offered online data with real-time updates mask availability all contracted pharmacies and selected local health centers. Based the open data, numerous software applications quickly emerged assist public finding sales locations efficiently. METHODS: Up until March 15, Public Digital Innovation Space recorded 134 availability, 24 were excluded due defect, duplicate, unavailability. These analyzed according platform, developer type, display mode. RESULTS: Of 110 valid applications, 67 (60.9%) deployed websites, followed 21 (19.1%) social networking sites, 19 (17.3%) as mobile 3 (2.7%) other modes. Nearly thirds (n = 70) developed individuals, one third 37) commercial companies, only central governments, a nongovernmental organization. With respect mode, 47 (42.7%) adopted map-view only, 41 (37.3%) table-view both remaining three voice user interfaces used augmented reality. CONCLUSION: Taiwan's strategy facilitated rapid development for information dissemination during COVID-19 crisis. transparency could help alleviate panic public. collaborative contributions from grassroots disasters priceless treasures.