Why not enlist the help of artificial intelligence to nudge people to mask up?
Jon HealeyLos Angeles Times
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Patrons exit Farmer s Fresh Meat, Farmer s Fresh Meat, 8630 Cullen Blvd. after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued an order mandating that businesses in the county must require customers wear masks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus Monday, June 22, 2020, in Houston. Employees and customers over the age of 10 must wear a mask or face covering, stay 6 feet apart from other customers and staff, and cannot enter a business if they are feeling ill. Seattle software company RealNetworks has developed an app and data platform that aims to promote mask use and address the safety concerns of businesses, governments and other organizations.Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less
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Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, plenty of evidence has emerged that wearing face masks cuts down on disease transmission and saves lives. Yet even in cities and states that have mandated mask use, compliance in the United States has been . unenthusiastic. And good luck finding a law enforcement officer eager to enforce those mandates.
So here’s an idea: Why not enlist the help of artificial intelligence to nudge people to mask up?
The Seattle software company RealNetworks has developed an app and data platform that aims to promote mask use and address the safety concerns of businesses, governments and other organizations. Launching today, the app dubbed MaskCheck uses AI and a tablet’s camera to detect whether a passer-by is not wearing a mask or wearing one improperly (in particular, by covering the mouth but leaving the nose free to inhale and exhale virus-laden air).