China Implements Blockchain More Actively Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Amid the persisting coronavirus outbreak, China has implemented blockchain to process medical data, monitor supply of virus prevention materials and consult the public.

In the first two weeks of February, some 20 blockchain applications created to assist fighting the coronavirus epidemic appeared in China, according to the February 17 report by domestic news outlet People’s Daily Online. Most applications are used to process citizens’ personal data as they get back to work this month.

Blockchain guarding medical data

China’s authorities realized that blockchain allows them to effectively monitor and secure information about the coronavirus they obtain. This way, Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, uses the technology for online consultation and screening, as well as for secure management of health records. In Hangzhou, tech firm Vastchain Technology developed a WeChat-based program called Access Pass. The program provides a QR code which can be used by residents to enter gated communities.

In cooperation with the Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission and the Economy and Information Technology Department, mobile and online payment service Alipay launched a platform which allows charity organizations to cooperate in a more effective and transparent way.

The application enables users to monitor allocation and donation of supplies, as well as the review, recording and tracking of demand and supply chains of medical supplies.

Coronavirus impacting businesses

The coronavirus has disrupted the normal course of things in Asia, forcing several crypto-related conferences to postpone. Hong Kong-based blockchain remittance firm Bitspark also announced its shutdown. This comes amid the coronavirus epidemic in China and anti-government protests in Hong Kong, where Bitspark’s headquarters is located.

Crypto mining compaines like Bitmain, MicroBT and Canaan also released notices on their websites about the delays in their after-sale services.

Insurance companies in China also leverage blockchain to process coronavirus-related claims amid the epidemic. This way, online mutual aid service, Xiang Hu Bao listed coronavirus among diseases eligible for a maximum one-time payout of around $14,300 (100,000 yuan).

Blue Cross Insurance, owned by the Bank of East Asia, also tries to diminish bureaucratic influence of the coronavirus outbreak with a medical claims app.

Meanwhile, according to some reports, China began a quarantine of its used bank notes in order to stop coronavirus proliferation.