TTI researchers evaluated contact-tracing apps, a commonly used practice to slow down the spread of COVID-19, with a focus on the El Paso-Juarez region. Taking advantage of mobile technology is expected to help in transitioning back to daily life while managing the risk of future outbreaks.
pandemic
Balancing COVID Concerns with Economic Need: Reduced Mobility, Vaccination Are Key to Halting the (or Any) Pandemic
by Okan Gurbuz
Restricting travel has proven vital to stemming the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially early on. Less human contact in tight spaces means less exposure to the virus—that’s a given. But reduced contact also means reduced commerce, at least for businesses depending on in-person customers.
Contact Tracing to Minimize Infection, Maximize Mobility at the U.S.-Mexico Border
by Okan Gurbuz
With the recent introduction of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, opening the world back up to regular commerce and human interaction has once again become problematic. Although global vaccine distribution continues at a healthy pace, how quickly mask mandates are lifted and businesses are open continue to be regulated at the local level in the United States. This lack of a central controlling authority — and the reliable regulation of interactions such direction would facilitate — further complicate getting the COVID-19 pandemic under control.
Understanding Transportation as a Disease Vector at the U.S.-Mexico Border
by Okan Gurbuz
In the past year, the world has undergone an immense transformation in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. Complete lockdowns and curfews have been enacted and then lifted to balance mitigating the spread of the disease with keeping economies working. Although a lot is still unknown about COVID-19, one thing is certain: transportation is one way the disease is spread from place to place.
[Read more…] about Understanding Transportation as a Disease Vector at the U.S.-Mexico Border
New Report: Cross-Border Transportation as a Disease Vector in COVID-19
Understanding the relationship between cross-border transportation and the spread of infectious diseases is vitally important to mitigating the spread of future waves of COVID-19 or other pandemics. This study clearly shows the significant effect border crossings have regarding the spread of infectious diseases in their surrounding communities.
How Do You Know Whether a Parking Facility Is Doing Its Job?
by Okan Gurbuz
When commuting patterns change (as they have amid the COVID-19 pandemic), so do the patterns of land use. With fewer people driving to work or to school, fewer parking spaces are filled, leaving empty reminders of our hefty public and private investment in vehicle storage space. As with any infrastructure asset requiring a large financial outlay, it’s important that we ensure the best return on that investment.
[Read more…] about How Do You Know Whether a Parking Facility Is Doing Its Job?