Speak louder. Israeli startup is developing a voice coronavirus test

If successful, there should be an application that can detect the presence of a human coronavirus infection by voice.

This is precisely what the Israeli startup is trying to find out in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense Administration on Arms Development and Technology Infrastructure.

Vocalis Health, led by Tal Venderov and Dr. Shady Hassan, is currently collecting samples of voice and breathing in patients with COVID-19 as well as in healthy people. The entries will then be analyzed using machine learning technology.

The startup will then try to develop an algorithm to help the Department of Health conduct an initial assessment and easily monitor the condition and symptoms of coronavirus carriers in their homes to avoid overloading the health care system.

Because the coronavirus affects the respiratory system, the basic assumption is that the signs of distress it causes can be reflected in the voice and breathing. Anyone can send voice samples via the company website and mobile app.

The first results of the study, which is being conducted in collaboration with healthcare organizations and hospitals in Israel and around the world, are expected in four to six weeks.