RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Noknox, a home technology and software startup, has designed a website to help reduce the number of people on the streets, contributing to the reduction of people contaminated by the novel coronavirus.
The platform is called “Vizinho do Bem” (Good Neighbor), and consists of uniting volunteers with people in higher risk situations, so that the latter are not required to leave home to perform basic tasks.
To be part of the platform, volunteers need only to register on the website and provide personal data – such as address and phone number – so that individuals can be found nearby. Once this is completed, the service will connect users to neighbors through WhatsApp, and all communication is handled through it.
Those in charge of the service advise both parties to follow the safety guidelines, so that no one is compromised. In addition, Noknox also urges that only emergency requests be made – such as shopping at the supermarket and drugstores – so that people will leave their homes as little as possible. Among the advice, they have also included safekeeping tips should one need to leave one’s home, noting such points:
“Avoid leaning your hands on handrails or public fixtures as much as possible;
Do not shake hands, kiss or hug;
Leave the groceries at least one meter away from the person who will receive them;
When coughing and sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with your elbow flexed;
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth while carrying the products to be delivered
After picking up the groceries, wash your hands again with soap and water;
If possible, sanitize purchased packages upon receipt.”
Users can either sign up as digital volunteers – who are in charge of making the calls between those helping and those in need of help – or as volunteers to help another person and anyone in need of help.