Have questions about coronavirus? This WhatsApp chatbot by government is here to answer

To avoid confusion and misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak, the government of India has launched a new WhatsApp chatbot. This chatbot has been developed and implemented by Jio Haptik Technologies Limited. The purpose of the chatbot is to curb false information that can cause mass hysteria ad educate people about the present scenario. 

Equipped with verified data from the Ministry of Health, the chatbot is equipped to resolve FAQs pertaining to the novel coronavirus. This includes necessary precautionary measures, symptoms, correct & incorrect facts, helpline numbers, affected cases in the region, Government advisories (including travel), informational videos, etc. 

It must be noted that this does not help prevent the virus in any case and anybody showcasing potential symptoms must contact the relevant helpline.

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How to use the chatbot?

The chatbot can be accessed and used by anyone. For this, you need to send a Whatsapp message to the number +91 9013151515. The idea is to have the right information at the touch of a button while preventing the spread of this pandemic across the country by following basic hygiene practices.

“We understand the severity of the situation and the idea for the Coronavirus chatbot germinated as a medium to tackle misinformation. The ‘MyGov Corona Helpdesk’ has been engineered to fight rumors, educate the masses and bring a sense of calm to the current chaos-like situation. We are committed to assisting the Government with all our possible strengths & resources and hope that this chatbot can help the GoI spread the right information across the nation,” CEO & Co-Founder of Haptik, Aakrit Vaish said.

The number of cases in India have been on a rise as the country continues to deal with the outbreak. Millions of people observed ‘Janta Curfew’ on Sunday, briefly coming out at 5 pm to show gratitude to health and other essential service providers with sounds of bells, conches and claps. So far, 360 cases have been reported from the country.