Singapore plans a coronavirus contact tracing device for all to wear

Singapore will soon launch a wearable device that will identify people who have interacted with carriers of coronavirus.

The country's foreign minister explained that the "wearable device" is being developed and will not "depend on (the) possession of a smartphone".

"If this portable device works. We may then distribute it to everyone in Singapore... This will be more inclusive, and it will ensure that all of us will be protected," Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament on Friday.

The city, with 5.7 million residents, has already developed the first-of-its-kind contact tracing smartphone app, but the bluetooth technology has been beset with glitches.

The new device can be worn on a lanyard or kept in a handbag and will be battery-operated.