Virtual-reality technology backed by an ultrafast 5G mobile network (VR+5G) has complemented rigorous preventive measures in cutting the infection rate of medical staff on the front line of the COVID-19 epidemic at a university hospital in Zhejiang, China. This technology enables remote diagnosis and treatment monitoring of patients, thereby helping to reduce direct contact with medical staff (see go.nature.com/35ex2pv).
This VR system allows medical personnel to interact with a digital 3D representation of the patient’s environment through a computer-generated simulation in real time. Tracking data collected through such VR+5G applications could also provide valuable information for policymakers, for example on factors that influence the course, infectivity and severity of the illness.
VR+5G would also improve the monitoring and communication capability of people at home.
