New Smart Ring Could Detect COVID Symptoms Early

A Oura Ring gathers health data such as heart rate and temperature from the wearer’s finger.

Tim HayesContributing Editor, Healthcare Packaging

Jan 6th, 2021

Early detection of a COVID-19 infection gives those affected the opportunity to quarantine immediately and limit the spread of the virus. A recent Medgadget article discussed a new smart ring that aims to do just that. The device was developed by Finnish startup Oura, and proof-of-concept studies were conducted by researchers at UCSF and UCSD.

The ring can gather several health statistics including heart rate, activity levels, and respiratory rate. But, it’s the temperature functionality that could help with the spread of COVID. The device could alert the wearer of an early stage fever that comes on before other more obvious COVID symptoms.

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