Fig. 2.

Schematic representation of the use of PDTs in epidemic control. The healthcare institution sets the parameters to be monitored by the PDTs, based on global data analytics. The authority enforces the behavioral framework proposed by the healthcare institution (e.g., when Rt is greater than 1.5, in a given area, people have to stay home; if it is between 1.1 and 1.5, people must not share cars; if a physical twin is COVID positive, he/she has to stay home). This framework becomes the reference for the PDT that will ensure awareness of its physical twin and signal the authority if any deviation from the framework occurs. Thus, privacy is protected. The authority is notified only when a behavior is inconsistent with the framework. A person notifies the healthcare institution of a positive test result, not the authority, thus preserving privacy. However, a behavior that is not consistent with the authority-enforced framework will result in the generation of a report.