Simple RFID tags can be used on the wristbands of patients and their movement can be tracked across wards. Health administrators can subsequently analyze the log of all patient interactions to immediately take precautionary action, in case a patient has interacted with an infected person. Considering the number of visitors to a hospital on a daily basis, this information can help in preventing the breakout of the pandemic.

In a way, it is ironic that the same technology that was earlier resisted for being intrusive has now come full circle. RFID may well become a lifesaver