I don’t think it isn’t just for covid. Well, currently it is, but with a few changes it could detect something else too.
“The device is equipped with a biosensor that does two things. First it takes advantage of tiny molecules obtained from llamas that stick exceptionally well to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to pull out any virus that might be present. Next, an electric current is passed through the biosensor and causes oxidation of a specific amino acid in the spike protein, the final reaction that verifies the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.“
So let’s say a new pandemic emerges, and we find out which proteins to use for identifying it. Why not modify the biosensor’s special molecule so that the device can detect whatever it is that happens to be bothering the world at that time. I think this detector has great potential.