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The COVID-19 pandemic increased attention to digital tools to support governmental public health policies in East and South-East Asia. Mobile apps related to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to emerge and evolve with a wide variety of characteristics and functions. However, there is a paucity of studies evaluating such apps in this region, with most of the available studies conducted in the early days of the pandemic.
This study aimed to examine free apps developed or supported by governments in the East and South-East Asian region and highlight their key characteristics and functions. We also sought to interpret how the release dates of these apps were related to the commencement dates of other COVID-19 public health policies.
We systematically searched for apps in Apple App Store and Google Play Store and analyzed the contents of eligible apps. Mobile apps released or updated with COVID-19–related functions between March 1 and May 7, 2021, in Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, China (mainland), Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines were included. The CoronaNet Research Project database was also examined to determine the timeline of public health policy commencement dates in relation to the release dates of the included apps. We assessed each app’s official website, media reports, and literature through content analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize relevant information gathered from the mobile apps using RStudio.
Of the 1943 mobile apps initially identified, 46 were eligible, with almost 70% of the apps being intended for the general public. Most apps were from Vietnam (n=9, 20%), followed by Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand (n=6 each, 13%). Of note, most apps for quarantine monitoring (n=6, 13%) were mandatory for the target users or a population subset. The most common function was health monitoring (32/46, 70%), followed by raising public health awareness (19/46, 41%) through education and information dissemination. Other functions included monitoring quarantine (12/46, 26%), providing health resources (12/46, 26%). COVID-19 vaccination management functions began to appear in parallel with vaccine rollout (7/46, 15%). Regarding the timing of the introduction of mobile solutions, the majority of mobile apps emerged close to the commencement dates of other public health policies in the early stages of the pandemic between March and April 2020.
In East and South-East Asia, most governments used mobile health apps as adjuncts to public health measures for tracking COVID-19 cases and delivering credible information. In addition, these apps have evolved by expanding their functions for COVID-19 vaccination.
The role of digital technology has reached new heights, with 93% of the world’s population having access to mobile broadband networks in 2020 [
mHealth interventions have been continuously evolving in various settings, including resource-limited settings with the surging penetration of smartphones and continuous advancement of relevant technological capabilities [
The capabilities of mHealth interventions have grown quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their abundant potential has been constantly predicted by many researchers, even before the pandemic [
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020, the demand for digital tools to reinforce public health measures has drastically increased worldwide [
Before the advent of COVID-19 vaccines, many governments in East and South-East Asia have gained unprecedented attention for their effective COVID-19 containment and incredibly low death tolls compared to countries in the West [
Although a number of systematic reviews had looked at COVID-19–related apps available on a global scale, there is a paucity of studies focusing on mobile apps in this region, which share similar cultural characteristics [
Given the diverse economic sizes and varying digital adaptation in the East and South-East Asian region [
This study adopted a systematic search strategy using a modified version of the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines to identify COVID-19–related apps currently freely available in this region and their characteristics and functions [
We referred to Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking evaluating the 53 largest economies on their success at containing the virus (March 2021) [
The 2 largest app stores worldwide, iOS-based Apple App Store and Android-based Google Play Store, were searched for potentially relevant mobile apps released or updated from March 1 to May 7, 2021. The following search terms were used: “COVID-19,” “COVID,” “coronavirus,” “corona virus,” “corona,” and “SARS-CoV-2.” To circumvent the regional restriction setting for searching apps, we utilized a website, fnd.ios, to look for apps on Apple App Store and changed the region settings in Google Play Store [
To evaluate when mobile apps were introduced in relation to other public health policies, we utilized the data set of the CoronaNet Research Project collating governmental public health policies worldwide in the context of COVID-19 [
After initial deduplication, 2 authors (SAI, BL) with backgrounds in public health screened mobile apps on the basis of the identified apps’ titles, keywords, and descriptions. Irrelevant apps were excluded during the preliminary screening step. After screening, the 2 reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of mobile apps on the basis of the eligibility criteria. We included apps if they were (1) related to COVID-19, (2) available free of cost with no in-app purchase requirement, (3) released or updated with COVID-19–related functions during the research period, (4) still available to users on the specified search date, (5) developed or supported by governments or authorities, and (6) with full information regarding the app accessible. However, we excluded mobile apps developed by global organizations, nongovernmental organizations, or communities not representing a government or broader regions. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion between 2 reviewers or arbitration by a third reviewer to reach a consensus.
We used a modified framework of previous studies and the CoronaNet Project database for data extraction [
Based on this framework, we developed a data extraction form, and 2 independent reviewers extracted the relevant data. Each app’s official website, relevant media reports, and literature were assessed through content analysis [
News or government measures
Up-to-date statistics
COVID-19 health information
Health management guidelines
COVID-19 related services information
Hotspot/risk area identification
Obtain COVID-19 test
Report of test results
Regular health check
Location tracking
Digital contact tracing
Digital check-in
Alert contacts of COVID-19 cases
Report suspected cases/rule infringement
Health code/status generator
Health/travel declaration
Self-symptom assessment
Vaccination information
Vaccination registration/appointment
Vaccination certificate
Reporting adverse reactions
Virtual medical consultation
Emergency helpline
Accessing medical records
Personal protective equipment distribution
PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flowchart of the search process.
All the included apps were free for users to download and use without any in-app purchase requirements. Furthermore, they were official apps developed or supported by the government and maintained by the relevant authority for COVID-19–related service provision. Descriptive analytics related to the characteristics of the apps were summarized and presented in
In total, 24 (52%) apps were mandatory, with a mandate for target users to install them on their smartphones. Target users were mainly a subset of the population only, for example, people living in high-risk areas with stringent pandemic restrictions and confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases.
Most of these apps (n=32, 70%) were intended for the general public. Six (13%) apps were especially intended for quarantined people: 4 (9%) apps for quarantined residents and 2 (4%) apps for quarantined inbound travelers. Six (13%) apps targeted travelers: domestic and international travelers (n=2, 4%), international travelers including those who required quarantine (n=3, 7%), and outbound travelers (n=1, 2%). Overall, the GPS was the most required technology (n=28, 61%), followed by Bluetooth (n=16, 35%) and the QR scanner (n=16, 35%). Artificial intelligence (AI), the application programming interface (API), and facial-recognition technology were also utilized in 3 (7%) apps. Details of apps with associated characteristics currently available across 11 governments included in this review are described in
Overview of the included apps (N=46).
Characteristics | Apps, n (%) | |
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||
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China (mainland) | 2 (4) |
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Hong Kong | 3 (7) |
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Indonesia | 3 (7) |
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Japan | 4 (9) |
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Malaysia | 6 (13) |
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Philippines | 1 (2.2) |
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Singapore | 6 (13) |
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South Korea | 3 (7) |
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Taiwan | 3 (7) |
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Thailand | 6 (13) |
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Vietnam | 9 (20) |
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iOS (App Store) | 45 (98) |
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Android (Google Play Store) | 46 (100) |
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Mandatory | 24 (52) |
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Voluntary | 22 (48) |
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General public | 32 (70) |
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Travelers: domestic and international | 2 (4) |
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Travelers: international | 1 (2) |
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Travelers: requiring quarantine | 2 (4) |
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Travelers: outbound | 1 (2) |
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Foreign workers | 1 (2) |
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Quarantined individuals | 4 (9) |
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Business owners | 1 (2) |
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Vaccinated individuals | 2 (4) |
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GPS | 28 (61) |
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Bluetooth | 16 (35) |
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QR scanner | 16 (35) |
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Othersa | 3 (7) |
aOther technologies include artificial intelligence (n=1), the application programming interface (API) (n=1), and facial recognition (n=1).
Overall, 25 common functions were identified, and they were subsequently organized into 6 overarching domains that characterized the functions of these apps, as shown in
The most common function served by the apps was health monitoring (n=32, 70%). Eleven apps (24%) were used for digital contact tracing by tracking, documenting, and retaining mobile phone users’ encounters with other devices using Bluetooth or GPS technologies. Twelve (26%) apps had the function of alerting the contacts of COVID-19 cases. If one of the app users contracted COVID-19, authorities with access to the data could request the infected user to upload the relevant anonymized data for analysis so that others with the same installed app who were in close contact may be alerted for further action. Eleven apps (24%) served the digital check-in function with the same goal for contact tracing: maintaining an efficient digital log of visitors so that officials could quickly reach out to those who might have been in close contact with a COVID-19 case present in the same events or premises.
The second-most common function associated with the apps was public health awareness (n=19, 41%). More than half of these apps were developed to disseminate the latest news (n=12, 26%) and up-to-date statistics (n=10, 22%). Furthermore, this main function included subordinated functions such as providing health management guidelines (n=9, 20%) and health information and advice about COVID-19 (n=9, 20%) and sharing the location and helpline number of facilities offering services during this pandemic (n=9, 20%). In addition, some apps (n=5, 11%) provided maps of hotspots or high-risk areas with increased COVID-19 transmission to better inform the public of their travel plans.
Main functions and subordinate functions of the included apps (N=46).
Main functions and subordinate functions | Apps, n (%) | Apps, %a | |
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19 (41) | —b | |
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News or government measures | 12 (26) | 7 |
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Up-to-date statistics | 10 (22) | 6 |
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COVID-19 health information | 9 (20) | 5 |
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Health management guidelines | 9 (20) | 5 |
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COVID-19 related services information | 9 (20) | 5 |
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Hotspot/risk area identification | 5 (11) | 3 |
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9 (20) | — | |
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Obtain COVID-19 test | 4 (9) | 2 |
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Report of test results | 7 (15) | 4 |
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12 (26) | — | |
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Regular health check | 5 (11) | 3 |
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Location tracking | 10 (22) | 6 |
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32 (70) | — | |
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Digital contact tracing | 11 (24) | 7 |
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Digital check-in | 11 (24) | 7 |
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Alert contacts of COVID-19 cases | 12 (26) | 7 |
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Report suspected cases/rule infringement | 5 (11) | 3 |
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Health code/status generator | 7 (15) | 4 |
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Health/travel declaration | 7 (15) | 4 |
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Self-symptom assessment | 8 (17) | 5 |
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7 (15) | — | |
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Vaccination information | 4 (9) | 2 |
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Vaccination registration/appointment | 3 (7) | 2 |
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Vaccination certificate | 4 (9) | 2 |
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Reporting adverse reactions | 1 (2) | 1 |
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12 (26) | — | |
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Virtual medical consultation | 4 (9) | 2 |
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Emergency helpline | 7 (15) | 4 |
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Accessing medical records | 1 (2) | 1 |
|
Personal protective equipment distribution | 4 (9) | 2 |
a% values calculated on the basis of the total functions (n=169).
bNot applicable.
Seven (15%) apps supported the function for COVID-19 vaccination. Most of these apps provided information regarding COVID-19 vaccines (n=4, 9%) or issued digital proof-of-vaccination (n=4, 9%) to app users who have completed their vaccine doses. Users could also register and make appointments for COVID-19 vaccination (n=3, 7%) via the app. However, only one of the apps (2%), Taiwan V-watch, allowed users to report vaccination-related adverse reactions.
Overview of the key functions of the included government apps.
All governments introduced mobile apps to support COVID-19 mitigation policies. There were no noticeable differences among the included governments with respect to the time of introduction of mobile apps. Furthermore, there was no consistency in the introduction of mobile apps and the initiation of certain types of policies across the governments. Eight governments, namely Singapore, South Korea, China (mainland), Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, launched their first apps between March and April 2020 (
In 2021, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea released apps to help track COVID-19 vaccination, registrations, and side effects. Some apps such as WeChat (China [mainland]), MySejahtera (Malaysia), Selangkah (Malaysia), and Bluezone (Vietnam) were updated to include vaccination-related functions.
Governments' COVID-19 policy commencement dates and release dates of the included apps.
This study identified 46 mobile apps developed or supported by 11 governments in East and South-East Asia by using a systematic search method. The most common function was health monitoring. Within the health monitoring function, the most popular function was alerting positive cases, followed by contact tracing and digital check-in. The second-most common function was public awareness measures such as disseminating news or government measures.
Evidence shows that most apps initially focused on disseminating information or monitoring high-risk areas and subsequently had functions for contact tracing [
Since Alanzi [
Most governments in our review required international travelers to use their apps for health declaration and monitoring. Notably, most quarantine monitoring apps were mandatory for people who required quarantine, mainly international travelers. Compulsory implementation of these apps to other settings or populations would not be simple considering national or regional policies regarding data protection and privacy [
We examined the timing of the rollout of COVID-19–related mobile apps to assess their relationship with the introduction of other public health measures. All governments included in our review used mobile apps to support the COVID-19 mitigation policies. We found that mobile apps from more successful economies such as Singapore and Malaysia tended to have diverse functions covering various measures. Most apps also first emerged close to the commencement dates of relevant public health policies between March and April 2020. Governments that showed successful performance tended to introduce COVID-19–related apps in the early stages of the pandemic. We did not statistically analyze associations between the timing of introducing apps and epidemiological data. Therefore, further analysis is required.
Although our findings focused on mobile apps, there are various other forms of digital solutions to combat COVID-19. For example, Taiwan did not have a particular mobile app for monitoring quarantine using GPS; however, it initiated the “Entry Quarantine System.” This system was achieved by scanning the QR code directly or clicking on its website. Travelers were required to make a web-based health declaration within 2 days before arriving in Taiwan and complete 14-day quarantine at a government facility, a designated hotel, or at home. Thereafter, the “Electronic Fence system” tracks the locations of individuals during their quarantine period using mobile location data to ensure that travelers do not leave their quarantine location [
It is difficult to determine which mobile app was the most effective in curtailing COVID-19. As of March 24, 2021, Taiwan and Vietnam recorded 0 deaths per 1 million population, 1 in Thailand, 5 in Singapore, 27 in Hong Kong, 3 in China (mainland), 33 in South Korea, 38 in Malaysia, 70 in Japan, 119 in the Philippines, and 146 in Indonesia [
Our included apps were purposefully selected from governments, which displayed the most cohesive responses to the pandemic as of March 2021. However, the unprecedented infiltration of the highly transmissible delta variant has wrecked the model of COVID-19 containment success exercised in East and South-East Asia. South-East Asia has emerged as the new virus epicenter; the bottom 5 in the latest Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking (August 2021) were all South-East Asian economies [
This review has several implications for the governments and for public health researchers. Our findings show that governments in East and South-East Asia initiated mobile solutions in the early days of the pandemic, and their COVID-19–related mobile apps were used for various purposes.
Successful performance of mobile apps in both resource-rich and resource-limited settings in this region demonstrated the wide range of applications of these apps and their cost-effectiveness (
For public health researchers, there is an enormous potential for such apps, especially in epidemiological research, disease surveillance, and allocation of health resources. Mobile apps can be designed to collect and generate research data to improve our understanding and response to this pandemic.
This study has limitations that are important to acknowledge. It is plausible that some apps may have been missed owing to the restrictive setting of several regional app stores. To overcome this issue, we have scoured other sources of information such as current news articles, media reports, and literature to find additional relevant apps. However, it is still likely that some relevant apps were missed as our search terms may not encompass all the available apps, especially those named in the local languages.
Moreover, we did not collect data on the consumer ratings or user feedback of each app. We also neither examined the popularity nor considered the number of app downloads. Although some evidence suggests that contact-tracing apps should be adopted by at least 60%-70% of the population to impact the outbreak transmission rate, much lower app penetration could still be substantial in breaking transmission chains and preventing infection [
We also did not examine the mobile uptake proportion by people from different socioeconomic backgrounds. There is a need to assess how well these mobile apps were accessible by the most deprived individuals, including older individuals, homeless individuals, immigrants, and rural residents [
In conclusion, our findings added knowledge on the COVID-19–related apps used in 11 governments in East and South-East Asia. The most common function was to monitor public health, followed by disseminating information and health education. Most apps deployed GPS technology, followed by Bluetooth and QR scanner technologies. Most countries in this region adopted mobile apps to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts and introduced them close to the relevant policy commencement dates in the early stages of the pandemic. In addition, some governments, which are relatively successful in suppressing COVID-19, tended to have all-in-one mobile apps or other complementary mobile apps. These apps could play pivotal roles in supporting governments’ measures for tracking COVID-19 cases and delivering credible information. Mobile apps catering to the middle-ground strategy of widespread vaccination and reopening of economies can be adopted by the governments to reframe the way of life as we move toward the endemic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bloomberg’s COVID-19 Resilience Ranking (March 2021).
List of included mobile apps and their associated characteristics.
List of included mobile apps with their associated functions.
artificial intelligence
application programming interface
ASEAN Smart Cities Network
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews
World Health Organization
The authors are grateful for the generous support of Dr Cindy Cheng at CoronaNet Research Project, whose expert guidance assisted in strengthening the manuscript.
BL conceived the study and acquired support from CoronaNet Research Project. SAI and BL developed the study protocol and designed the data extraction rubric. Two authors independently reviewed the mobile apps and extracted, analyzed, and interpreted the data (BL and TZ for app features, BL and SAI for app functions). BL and SAI drafted the manuscript.
None declared.