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Steady queue at supermarkets, pharmacies for free oximeter on first day of collection

SINGAPORE - A steady queue formed at various supermarkets and pharmacies on Monday (July 5) morning, the first day of the distribution of free oximeters to every household to curb Covid-19 infection spread. The device, given out by Temasek Foundation, checks the oxygen level in the blood to detect early signs of a deterioration in health. It is meant to help the nation manage the spread of new and more infectious variants of the Covid-19 virus. When The Straits Times visited supermarkets and pharmacies in Bishan, Clementi and Serangoon on Monday morning, a steady stream of 10 people were in line at each outlet. Most of the people who collected their oximeters are either the elderly, or family members with seniors or children at home. Housewife Elaine Lee, 70, who was collecting her oximeter at Guardian in Junction 8, said that her husband, also 70, is sick. The device will help to monitor their health. "I got this so we will be less worried," she said. Housewife Anna Tan, 73, who was collecting her oximeter at Unity in Clementi Mall said she could not be vaccinated. "After a health screen, I was identified to have possible allergies to the vaccine... I want to get the oximeter for ...

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Covid-19: Automated wireless system that monitors blood oxygen successfully piloted

SINGAPORE - A new weapon has been added to Singapore's arsenal against Covid-19: an automated system that monitors oxygen levels in the blood. Low blood oxygen could be a symptom of Covid-19. The new system utilises Bluetooth-enabled pulse oximeters to measure blood oxygen levels. It will help automate manual tasks and compile pulse oximeter readings from thousands of individuals neatly on a dashboard. A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) - in consultation with clinicians from the National University Hospital and Singapore General Hospital - worked on the new system from April to June. The project was also supported by both Temasek Foundation and the National Research Foundation. This new system consists of several components: wireless nodes to capture data from the Bluetooth-enabled pulse oximeters, individual Bluetooth-enabled pulse oximeters which individuals can use to take their readings, WiFi stations and a dashboard that presents the data. Workers living in dormitories need to measure and record their oximeter readings twice a day as part of precautionary measures to identify new cases of infection. This process is currently done manually. Wi...