Singapore will soon launch a wearable device that will identify people who have interacted with carriers of coronavirus.
The country's foreign minister explained that the "wearable device" is being developed and will not "depend on (the) possession of a smartphone".
"If this portable device works. We may then distribute it to everyone in Singapore... This will be more inclusive, and it will ensure that all of us will be protected," Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament on Friday.
The city, with 5.7 million residents, has already developed the first-of-its-kind contact tracing smartphone app, but the bluetooth technology has been beset with glitches.
The new device can be worn on a lanyard or kept in a handbag and will be battery-operated.
Philippines evacuates more than a million as super typhoon nears
Israel receives body of deceased soldier from Red Cross
US considering Putin's proposal on nuclear arms control, says Lavrov
Major US air traffic staffing shortages cancels thousands of flights
Leaders of 40 countries endorse rainforest conservation fund
