Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute hasn’t had some of the COVID-19 problems other college campuses have and those at the school credit an algorithm and app for keeping cases to a minimum.

What You Need To Know

  • The algorithm and app was developed as part of RPI's reopening plan

  • The app allows users to input information to determine what the next several months will look like

  • The app is free of charge

Developed by Professor Malik Magdon-Ismail, the algorithm is based on the amount of contact students will have with others. It uses that information to determine what the spread of COVID-19 cases will be several months from now.

The technology, called COVID Back to School, is now available for everyone, including other colleges and school districts.

"We have to help anyone we can in order to reopen safely and get things rolling again and making a little bit money here and there doesn’t compare with allowing people to go about doing their business safely," said Magdon-Ismail.

Schools can use the app as often as possible, readjusting circumstances to get the lowest transmission of spread.