In a novel attempt to develop IT-enabled systems to contain the spread of Coronavirus, Kerala Police has come out with a competition calling for the participation of people with technical know-how to develop a system for the state police.

A police team led by Cyberdome nodal officer Manoj Abraham will coordinate the online Hackathon competition titled 'CODE-VID-19'.

In an official communication, the Kerala Police Cyberdome said the online Hackathon “CODE-VID-19” was aimed at developing IT-based innovative solutions that can help police in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. "CODE-VID 19 envisages finding technology-based innovative solutions for the police to effectively contain Coronavirus for the benefit of society. The last date of submission of your idea and technical solutions is March 29. The best idea will be suitably rewarded," the communication said.

Manu P Zacharia, Cybersecurity expert and member of Data Security Council of India, said police departments in other states were also into developing IT-enabled systems in association with IT experts from various sectors. "The CODE-VID-19 will help police to shortlist a few ideas which could be developed to check the spread of corona. IT-enabled systems could be used to track the movement of people put under quarantine, get real-time data on the number of people being put under quarantine and map the locations. The digital interface could also be used to make the people file affidavit online for travel pass and prepare a database of vehicles that have been used by people to travel during the lockdown," he said.