S.D.

R: Social Distancing Reminder

A study on Arduino Social Distancing Device in Preventing the Risk of Covid-19 Transmission

Chapter 1: Introduction Draft

LABANON, John Arth

MONTILLA, Vince Ivan Jon S.

12 - Archimedes

Mr. Gene Michael Atanacio

Research Project Teacher

Chapter I: Introduction

A. Background of the Study

 The first case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV, now COVID-19) in the Philippines was
confirmed on 30 January 2020, in a 38-year-old woman who arrived from Wuhan. Two days
later, the Philippines recorded the first death outside China on 01 February 2020. Due to its
proximity to China, the Philippines is at a far greater risk of witnessing increased cases of the
novel coronavirus infection compared to other countries. The Philippines is also home to
hundreds of workers from China working in the Philippine Offshore Gambling Operation (firms
offering online gambling services). More than 230,000 migrant Filipinos often referred to as
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are also working in China particularly Hong Kong and Macau
as household workers.
The COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. On March 11,
2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic rapidly spreading across
six continents and more than a hundred countries. As each country employ various strategies to
contain the COVID-19 crisis, on May 11, 2020, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, Thailand, Iran, and others
started to ease their respective quarantine restrictions after a gradual decrease in the COVID-19
cases was observed (Shereen et al., 2020; McLeod, 2020; Secon et al., 2020). While a vaccine is
still under study, behavioral interventions are generally followed in many countries. One of these
interventions is social distancing. It is said to have been effectively used in the history of
different global diseases (Bell, 2004; Hatchett et al., 2007; Wardrop, 2009).
Social distancing is a set of behavioral interventions aimed at slowing down the spread of
a communicable disease by observing a physical distance between persons and decreasing their
frequencies of physical contact (Harris et al, 2020; Johnson et al., 2020). In the Philippines, as
the country eased its quarantine measures starting May 16, the Department of Health (DOH)
strongly advised the public to observe social distancing. This behavior or measure is encouraged
to control the spread of the COVID-19 in the country and slow down its “epidemic peak” (Dela
Cruz, 2020). Relative to this, the House of Representatives has filed House Bill No. 6623 to
guide people on how to live in a new normal environment, especially observing social distancing
strategies (Mercado, 2020; Publico, 2020). One of the political areas declared by DOH as
COVID-19 low risk is the Region XII in Mindanao. It consists of General Santos City, South
Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani (Kabiling and Geducos, 2020). It is
one of the few regions placed under “modified general community quarantine” signaling the
gradual resumption of economic activities in the area.
While general social distancing guidelines are available, itis important to put into
description how people specifically practice them in the real situation. It will be significant for
people who currently make relevant guidelines to curb COVID-19 infection.
Social distancing practices are changes in behavior that prevent disease transmission by
reducing contact rates between susceptible individuals and infected individuals who may
transmit the disease. Social distancing practices can reduce the severity of an epidemic, but the
benefits of social distancing depend on the extent to which it is used by individuals. Individuals
are sometimes reluctant to pay the costs inherent in social distancing, and this can limit its
effectiveness as a control measure.
 Based on studies, the most effective way to help prevent the transmission of any disease,
particularly of COVID-19, is to keep away from other or what has been known to be “social
distancing”; prevention is better than cure. It is one of the easiest ways for people to lower their
risk of infection during an epidemic and to reduce their rate of contact with infectious
individuals. However, it is a waste-time to keep be conscious with the surrounding and keep
yourself at estimated distant with others. It would be helpful if there were a device that would
notify and warn the user and others to keep away from each other. Research also shows that in
the absence of vaccination or other intervention measures, optimal social distancing never
recovers more than 30% of the cost of infection. 

B. Statement of the Problem

This research seeks to find the answer the following:

1. Will the Social Distancing Reminder (SDR) be effective when used in public places?
2. How technology, specifically Arduino projects, would be beneficial to lower the risk
of COVID-19 transmission?
3. Will there be any bad effects when using the Social Distancing Reminder (SDR)

C. Objectives of the study

The research aims to create a prototype that would render in observing safety protocols
needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Through the help of Arduino powered device,
SDR would be beneficial in observing social distancing protocol through calculated distance
with great accuracy and at the same time enables you to identify the temperature of the people
surrounding you.

D. Significance of the Study

The study is conducted to identify the effectiveness of social distancing reminder with
temperature scanner in a pandemic crisis and in the absence of vaccine.

The research would also be beneficial in different settings and sectors of the community
such as:

When there is a lack of COVID-19 safety protocols and equipments in

establishment, with the device people would be aware of their distances with each other.
 It would be cost efficient for establishments since there is no need to purchase
temperature scanner. If the government of the Philippines and Department of Science and
Technology approve the production of the device, it is massive production would create
job opportunities. Due to the pandemic, there are scarcity of productive job opportunities
in the Philippines. Many left and fired in their respective jobs. It would be of a great
render if the device would be officially out of the market. By creating the device, the
students can apply their learnings about programming and designing prototypes to solve
different social and medical issues that our country is currently facing. Through the
application of the concepts of robotics, students would learn to think beyond their
capacities and create innovative technologies. The fear of being in a crowd during a
pandemic is very inevitable. Trough SDR, you foster awareness of your surroundings and
that is one step of creating a barrier of protection against COVID-19.

E. Scopes and Limitations

The focus of the study is on creating the Social Distancing Reminder device
controlled by Arduino. The data collection will be performed at a random selection of
200 participants only here in the country and not overseas. It will be conducted only on
public places and crowded areas where social distancing is not highly relevant and
observed. These participants will go through an assessment after they use the prototype.

The project does not cover the design and reconstruction of devices that are
readily available in the market. It is only limited to creating a SDR (Social Distancing
Reminder) prototype through Arduino. Its limitations are those events, things, etc. that
are outside of the scope of this study. In addition, the participants not selected in
conducting the survey are not within the scope of this study.

D. Conceptual Framework

CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Theme 1
Enabling and Enforcing Social Distancing Measures using Smart City and ITS
Infrastructures: A COVID-19 Use Case.
 Since there is no authorized medication to cure this disease, preventive and mitigation
mechanisms are required to keep it from spreading. The spread of the virus is being hampered by
social distancing steps such as countrywide lockdowns, travel bans, quarantining hotspots, and
restricting customers at critical businesses. In such critical circumstances, it is critical to
introduce fast mechanisms, and multiple organizations work together to restrict the disease's
spread. To ensure the protection of people and properties, a wide spectrum of situational
intelligence and automated targeted response is expected to be required in the city, with the goal
of reducing casualties and mitigating economic impact.
Many countries around the world are considering deploying "smart" cities, including the
United States, the Netherlands, China, and Japan, to name a few. For example, Amsterdam's new
Smart City 3.0 model enables residents and private companies to partner with the government in
designing and expanding smart city solutions. In areas such as infrastructure and technology,
smart energy and water, and Intelligent Transportation Systems, this program involves research,
ventures, and data sharing (ITS).
Reference:
MITTAL, S., ABDELSALAM, M., GUPTA, M. (2020). Enabling and Enforcing Social
Distancing Measures using Smart City and ITS Infrastructures: A COVID-19 Use Case.
Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/pdf/2004.09246.pdf.
Theme 2
Philippines' Duterte keeps one-meter social distancing rule.
On the 19th Day of September 2020, President Duterte keeps the one-meter physical
social distancing rule in public transportation to get not infected by the novel corona virus.
Duterte retain the one-meter social distancing and he also ban eating and speaking in public
places and public transportation. The spokesperson of our President also added that wearing or
face mask and face shield is prohibited all the time. From 75cm distancing to 50 cm distancing
on the 28th day of September and 30 cm distancing to accommodate more passengers who are
returning to work because they allowed opening of some malls. The World Health Organization
mandated to still follow the one-meter social distancing to stop spread the virus.
Reference:
MORALES, N. J. (2020). Philippines' Duterte keeps one-meter social distancing rule. Retrieved
from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-philippines-idUSKBN26A07N.

Theme 3
Social distancing in response to the COVID-19 in the United States.
 In January 2020, the virus is quickly spreading all over the world the people do not know
what they will do because this virus is dangerous, and it is deadly and it quickly spreading social
distancing or physical distancing are important that we need to maintain to avoid the virus
transmission which can destroy our respiratory system that might cause of death. We practice
social distancing because this is the only way that can prevent the virus although there has a
vaccine already, but these practices are important because social distancing can provide our
safeness. The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly changing, and individual perceptions are rapidly
shifting over period, but it is important to remember that people living in the US viewed the
danger of COVID-19 early in the disease outbreak and how social distance has also been
practiced assessing way approach.
The virus came out of nowhere and shocked all citizens of each country. With the sudden
spread of virus, it was never easy to adjust. To wear facemask every time, you went out, to limit
your association with other individuals. Everything came so fast that no one was prepared for it.
Adjusting is hard and so applying safety protocols had been hard to follow as well. Some had
forgotten whilst some are just not willing. Social distancing or keeping distance with others are
meant to limit interaction with others' but as time passes, more and more came out and went with
their life as usual and distancing was hard with so many people that just does not really care.
Social distancing's effectiveness came at stake and it was lessening with 6 feet distancing to less
than 6 feet. More people are exposed with the virus and larger cases are recorded each day
passing.
American Individualism is one of the hindrances USA must face right now. Americans
had been forced to wear their masks properly but there had been rally to the Government saying
they cannot breathe enough with face masks, some said if al used face masks there would not be
left for health workers. Given the fact that the virus is not lessening anytime soon. Some
individuals 'doesn't believe to covid, it is not real' and just chose to stay how they are without any
protection to potential virus.
Reference:
MASTERS, N., SHIH, S., BUKOFF, A., AKEL, K., KOBAYASHI, L., MILLER, A.,
HARAPAN, H., LU, Y., WAGNER, A. (2020). Social distancing in response to the novel
coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States. Retrieved from
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0239025.

Theme 4
Crafty Engineers Create COVID-19 Monitoring Devices with Arduino Boards and Maxim
ICs.
 This article was published on August 25, 2020. The COVID-19 made everyone cautious
about their surroundings and about their health which was in very danger, it is because this virus
can easily infect anyone. This pandemic made everyone specially those people who has a
specialty in health and creating something, then there came the engineers, they made this device
that made an impact to the pandemic which helped most of us.
The Coronavirus pandemic has put the focus on specialists and researchers who are
working constantly to treat patients, explore and create immunization and treatment up-and-
comers, and devise wellbeing and security conventions. We likewise cannot fail to remember the
specialists who are contributing their skill to fight the novel Covid. I went over a few fascinating
plans that I am sharing here to feature the imagination, inventiveness, and specialized gifts that
the Do-It-Yourself people group is exhibiting in its endeavors. With the assistance of reference
plans including biosensors, these creators have made models that empower distant patient
observing, hardware disinfection, and contact following—all vital aspects intending to the
infection.
Group IoT-Bangladesh unquestionably had security as a main priority when its individuals built
up a Coronavirus patient checking gadget dependent on LoRa. This sensor-based framework is
proposed to assist clinical experts with observing the medical issue of tainted patients. Different
sensors measure organic practices of a patient (pulse, temperature, SpO2, ECG, development,
circulatory strain).
References:
YOUNG, C. (2020). Crafty Engineers Create COVID-19 Monitoring Devices with Arduino
Boards and Maxim ICs. Retrieved from
https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/design/blog/crafty-engineers-create-covid-19-monitoring-
devices-with-arduino-boards-and-maxim-ics.html?
fbclid=IwAR0GllUDPtw4yDpnx96mEBDF3v30bpQWga5bGVdDw5bY-3aOLtycOHSNvcc.
Theme 5
Social Distancing Practices of Residents in a Philippine Region with Low Risk of COVID-
19 Infection.
Researchers and specialists have come to laud the viability of social removing hones
(SDPs) in curbing the exponential development of coronavirus 2019. it is fascinating to know
how individuals practice them in the genuine circumstance. Hence, the general goal of this paper
is to portray the SDPs of occupants in a Philippine locale with a generally safe of Coronavirus
contamination. The outcome showed that the inhabitants for the most part follow a mix of
various SDPs. They practice the suggested distance; express verbal signals to remind others; pass
on suggested signs to movement others; select chance to perform tasks; pick spots to perform
tasks; practice metacognitive abilities; welcome without actual contact; lean toward virtual
exercises; keep away from contacting objects; use objects of outsider; use defensive things; and
avoid the outer climate.
In the Philippines, as the nation facilitated its isolate measures beginning May 16, the
Department of Health (DOH) emphasized that social distancing must be observed in public
places. Using this measure, it is most likely to control the transmission of the pandemic COVID-
19. In relation to this, the House of Representatives has filed House Bill No. 6623 to direct
individuals on the best way to live in another typical climate, particularly in observing proper
social distancing.
The consequence of this research is for the most part corresponding to the theoretical
meaning of the Habitats for Infectious prevention and Anticipation (2020) on social distancing.
Three measurements appeared to shape the applied meaning of social separating. These are:
"stay in any event six feet from others", "don't accumulate in gatherings", and "avoid swarmed
places".
Reference:
CAPAHAY, M. B. (2020). Social Distancing Practices of Residents in a Philippine Region with
Low Risk of COVID-19 Infection. Retrieved from https://www.ejeph.com/download/social-
distancing-practices-of-residents-in-a-philippine-region-with-low-risk-of-covid-19-infection-
8455.pdf.

Theme 6
Digital technologies in the public-health response to COVID-19.
This article was published on August 7, 2020. It states that digital technologies were
being harnessed so that it can be use in supporting the public-health response against covid-19,
this includes population surveillance, contact tracing, case identification and evaluation of
interventions based on mobility data and communication with the public.
Many aspects of life were transformed by the digital revolution. By 2019, 67% of the
population worldwide have signed up for mobile devices, 65% of whom are smart phones—in
Sub-Saharan Africa, the fastest growing15. The 2019 download of 204 billion apps16 and the
social media actively used by 3.8 billion people as of January 202017.
Here we critically examine the use of digital technologies to respond to COVID-19 in the
world for public health (Fig. 1). We talk about the breadth and limitations of innovations. This
system-level approach is necessary to inform how to embed digital strategies in COVID-19
control strategies and help prepare for future epidemics,
Digital epidemiological surveillance is a core function in the management of outbreaks in
public health is to understand transmission and detect risk factors for the disease in time, place,
and person to guide effective actions. Digital information sources are being used to improve and
interpret key epidemiological data collected for COVID-19 by public health authorities. Online
data sources for early disease detection Established population monitoring systems usually rely
on laboratory health data, clinician-diagnosed case notifications, and networks of syndromic
surveillance. The syndromic surveillance network uses clinical symptom reports from hospitals
and selected primary and secondary medical facilities, such as influenza-like illness rather than
laboratory diagnosis, to provide regular monitoring data for all cases.
 Reference:
Budd, J., Miller, B.S., Manning, E.M. et al. (2020). Digital technologies in the public-health
response to COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-1011-
4#citeas.
Theme 7
Coronavirus, Social and Physical Distancing and Self-Quarantine.
Social distancing is practiced throughout the world who is experiencing this Pandemic.
However, as more people are permitted to go out and mingle with friends, go to work, buy
essentials. Social distancing is becoming less and less effective. Nonetheless, it is proved that
keeping 1 meter or 6 feet is an effective way of avoiding being infected by the virus. Adding to
this, frequently sanitizing your hands before and after being in contact with objects that may be
unclean can lower the risks of an infection. But then again it is best to stay at home and isolate as
much as possible if you do not have important agendas to attend outside. Especially if your area
is on a higher case of the virus. Keeping your distances and staying at home will be a much
better option. Adults and adolescence are much more prone to the virus that is why in some
areas, there are rules applied for going out. The importance of flattening the curve will benefit
everyone, this may result for our old lives to be enjoyed again, without worrying being infected
with the virus. If one day, it is completely accomplished it is still better to take precautions in
case of any disturbances.
Reference:
MARAGAKIS, L. L. (2020). Coronavirus, Social and Physical Distancing and Self-Quarantine.
Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-social-distancing-and-self-quarantine.

Theme 8
Theme 9
Theme 10
1.1
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

Research Design
Research design can be defined as a plan regarding on how to approach an answer
to the research question, research strategies is an important element in research design to
ease the works of researchers in collecting and analyzing data. It is the steps or procedure
in which the researchers follow to conduct their research, the research method that will be
used depends on the researchers. The proper research design will help the researchers set
up their research for success.

In our prototype, an ultrasonic sensor will be used to determine the distance

between two people. A corresponding LCD will be lit depending on the data that will be
sent to the Arduino by the ultrasonic sensor. If the red LCD is lit, it will send a warning
that warns people that they are not observing proper social distancing. However, if the
green LCD is lit, it means that they are observing proper social distancing.
Research Locale
The use of SDR or the Social Distancing Reminder will be held in Intramuros, the
researchers chose this as their place for their study because of the tourists that visits this
place. It will be a perfect place to gather data due to the population sample of Intramuros,
it is open to everyone so it will be the most ideal place to test the effectiveness of the
SDR or Social Distancing Reminder.
Sampling Design
The researchers will be using a Likert scale, it will enable respondents to select
from a linear set of responses. The researchers will be needing the participation of 200
respondents to make this study a success, the researchers will be sampling the SDR or
Social Distancing Reminder in areas inside Intramuros with high number of people. This
will allow the respondents to express their opinions towards the prototype through rating
it by their degree of agreement.

Instrumentation

Data Gathering Procedure

Statistical Treatment