Lockdown is in full swing as it’s predicted that the biggest South Asian country will see a steady increase in Covid-19 cases by mid-June (up to 15,000 cases per day). We all know what that means – the longer this pandemic lasts, the more it will curtail our freedom. Many have started to believe that long after the crisis is over, life as we’ve known it, will never return to its old self. Panic mongering and fear-based choices are still affecting the collective psyche as much as the threat of economic depression. A common man is between an infected rock and a contagious hard place. As much as we’re careful, we’re still held responsible for breaking social distancing protocols, sometimes intentionally, but mostly because it’s inevitable.
Most of us work from home and the only time we’re facing the possibility of an infection is when we step outside for supplies or if someone visits our society for deliveries. Restricting the outward flow of people and disinfecting the incoming visitors/deliveries are the two most critical aspects of keeping coronavirus at bay as far as community immunity is concerned.
Now with the ease in restrictions, restoration of services, and an increase in people’s movements, there’s a severe need to contain further infections. It’s time that the power to choose safety along with daily necessities was put in the hands of the people, literally. Everything ought to return to normal and it shall if we can make smart choices in life and tweak our daily lives with the right and useful tools.
For those of us who live in gated communities, the risk of virus spread is much higher and hence these residential communities are seeking new technology to manage their gate operations. A simple digital solution – security and community management apps that make ground movements, package deliveries, and financial management absolutely virus-proof and safe.
What is the Zero-touch community management app?
The community management app performs gate management for society. They are user-friendly and extremely secure for community management.
At the core, it manages daily check-ins, tracks visitors in the society, and is used by guards, residents and management committees for various society related errands that can be accomplished digitally as opposed to physically, e.g. pre-approved entries for guests, managing maintenance payments through digital dashboards, among others.
MyGate is one such app that fits the bill perfectly and currently managing contact-less essential services to 1.6 million+ homes During the age of coronavirus, the app has been a useful ally to maintain social distancing. Let’s see how.
Benefits for society residents
Zero-touch package delivery
One of the biggest concerns during the coronavirus pandemic is the handling of packages and products. It’s not advisable to walk up to your nearest daily needs store for supplies and take the risk of running into potentially infected individuals because 80% of Covid-19 cases don’t even show symptoms so you wouldn’t know when and from whom to protect yourself and your family.
This is why home deliveries have become the norm. Whenever a parcel arrives, the app gives you an option to select the Leave At Gate feature. The package can be later picked up from the guard with a six-digit passcode.
Discounted medicines to fight against the virus
Another crucial need is the regular supply of prescribed medicines delivered at the doorstep, not to mention the preventive medical supplies needed to combat Covid-19 including masks, sanitizers, gloves, etc.
Social distancing protocols can be easily maintained without stepping outside as MyGate has partnered with fine and Medlife to deliver medicines, health checkup services at your home at lower prices.
Daily needs met through clean and trusted sources
Whether you need groceries, electrical, household supplies, fruits, and vegetables, or newspapers and magazines, there’s a possibility a whole lot of these items have changed multiple hands by the time they reach your doorstep. Also, the daily disinfection of delivered products becomes a headache that eats away your productive time.
The app has collaborated with e-commerce companies like Grofers, ITC, StoreSe for sanitized, pre-approved deliveries and TOI, Deccan Chronicle, etc. for e-paper delivery on the phone.
Benefits for Management Committee
The emergency response made easier
A prompt and timely response to COVID-related and other unforeseen emergencies is perhaps the best indicator of a committee’s crisis readiness.
On the app, committee members can access all urgent care assistance numbers (hospitals, doctors, clinics) on one page so that there’s no chance of even one wasted minute struggling to find help when a medical calamity strikes.
Zero-touch payments with zero convenience fees
The app can not only generate all kinds of society-maintenance invoices digitally but also enable online maintenance payments and payments to domestic/ service staff.
Even though traditional payment systems can do the same job, having all society related payments from one app is a great way to compartmentalize and streamline financial responsibilities with zero convenience fees.
Track staff attendance without risking an infection
Physical contact and attendance recording with security guards or maintenance and the cleaning crew is not recommended for either them or anyone they’re in contact with.
Even though you can provide them with masks and sanitizers, it’d be best if you use smart-eye attendance that uses facial recognition technology to register attendance so that they’re safe and so are you.
Reduce fear and panic through group communication
It’s imperative that all community-wide announcements regarding lockdown restrictions, its staggered easing, availability or lack of essential services, safety measures, and Covid-19 related in-house services, vendor tie-ups, code of internal movements, etc are made in a way that everyone can participate, make suggestions, be well-informed, and well-armed.
The community management app solves that problem by featuring a virtual noticeboard and group messaging.
Although not a panacea for eliminating coronavirus, the app is a good measure to contain it from entering your society. It could be a welcome digital addition to your armory of personal protective equipment and a tool to aid your society’s self-quarantine routine.
