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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.10.28.358820

Modelling disease transmission from touchscreen user interfaces

DiBattista, A.·Nicolaides, C.·Georgiou, O.
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Abstract

The extensive use of touchscreens for all manner of human-computer interactions has made them plausible instruments of touch-mediated disease transmission. To that end, we employ stochastic simulations to model human-fomite interaction with a distinct focus on touchscreen interfaces. The timings and frequency of interactions from within a closed population of infectious and susceptible individuals was modelled using a basic queuing network. A pseudo reproductive number (R) was used to compare outcomes under various parameter conditions. We also expanded the simulation to a specific real-world scenario; namely airport self check-in and baggage drop. Results revealed that the required rate of cleaning/disinfecting of screens to effectively mitigate R can be inordinately high. This suggests that revised or alternative methods should be considered.

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DiBattista, A., Nicolaides, C., Georgiou, O.. 2020-10-28. Modelling disease transmission from touchscreen user interfaces. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.28.358820

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