Actualizing Big Data Through Revised Data Protocols to Render More Accurate Infectious Disease Monitoring and Modeling

As the spread of COVID-19 continues from the initial epicenter in China, to new epicenters in the west, and North America, entire world is seen to be pulling on the same direction, especially in instituting measures that would not only help in containing the pandemic but also shield economies from the eminent crisis. One such measure that is being duplicated in almost every country is that of “lockdowns.” This is having a direct impact on the social and economic welfare of people, especially those domiciled in urban areas, but with the virus spreading in unprecedented way, it is seen as one of the necessary measures for now. As this happens, the global community is seen to be increasing its efforts and collaboration in coming up with a short-term and long-term solution to this pandemic. However, such efforts are facing some deep-rooted challenges related to heath data sharing, where the issue of lack of standardization of protocols is seen to be hampering the efforts, especially with interests from information and communication technology corporationsn and the concept of nationalism coming into play. This chapter, written during the period when the world continues to grapple with the issues pertaining to the pandemic, surveys the virus outbreak from an urban viewpoint and advances how smart city concept can be customized to ensure there is seamless communication in regard to data sharing especially during event of outbreaks or other such calamities.