The Netherlands-based Public Health Blockchain Consortium (PHBC) has announced the release of a blockchain-based system designed to track the movement of individuals not infected with high-risk viruses. The impetus behind the development is to help healthy people avoid potentially life-threatening diseases.

The PHBC announced the release on March 19, detailing that the blockchain-based platform will monitor systematic, continual and anonymous verification of communities and workplaces, which are not afflicted by dangerous viruses, including the Coronavirus.

Recording virus data on blockchain

“The blockchain stores a workplace's or community's protection certificate from security organizations or government bodies to assure that all persons who enter a safe zone are continuously monitored,” the PHBC further explained the system’s operation. If a person previously visited an infected area, they are required to stay in a quarantine zone, wherein communities can provide isolated places of residence to incoming visitors.

Ayon Hazra, the administrator for the PHBC, said:

"PHBC's virus-free monitoring blockchain can automatically identify zones with and without validated incident reports by integrating real-time information from virus surveillance providers with artificial intelligence and geographical information systems. Those areas without validated reports of contamination are elevated to safe zone status. Communities and workplaces can maintain such safe zone status if they restrict access to anonymously identified persons and only allow movement to and from other safe zones."

Blockchain in health proliferates

The coronavirus outbreak has pushed blockchain companies to more actively develop health-focused applications and systems. Tech firm ConsenSys will spin off its health devision, which will explore blockchain application to the health industry, citing issues such as rising costs and access to care as some of the areas where blockchain can contribute.

China-based tech startup Hyperchain announced the launch of its blockchain-based platform to fight against the coronavirus epidemic. The platform will focus on medical supply donations, ensuring that the donation process is immutable, traceable and reliable.