Christchurch aged care technology developer Spritely has received funding to run a trial of its technology to screen for COVID-19 in retirement villages.

Spritely's tablet-based technology, which can monitor for falls, keep residents connected with free video calling, supports medication adherence and tracks vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and weight wirelessly, has been used at Alpine View Lifestyle Village and Burlington Village in Christchurch for the past year.

Now, the company has received a grant from Callaghan Innovation and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to further develop the system to detect, triage and contain potential COVID-19 outbreaks in the sector.