Week 3 Covid-19 vs India: Indian Government releases WhatsApp Chatbot Helpdesk

With the history of domestic Covid-19 spread in Italy, France and the USA, it is a crucial week for India. The coronavirus pandemic is spreading and so is misinformation related to it. Who do we trust in these testing times?

WhatsApp has 400 million users in India. This is the reason the Indian Government released the WhatsApp number +91 90131 51515 for all queries related to Novel Corona. All you need to do is:

1. Save this number (9013151515)
2. Send your query.
3. Receive an automated response. 

The Chatbox will remain open 24x7. It answers the following questions:

1. What is Coronavirus and what are its symptoms?
2. How does coronavirus spread?
3. How to reduce the risk of coronavirus?
4. Professional advice from AIIMS-Director
5. Know more on coronavirus
6. Where to get help?

The answers contain links to government websites such as when should one get tested his/her symptoms and answers questions such as “how does the virus spread?”. It provides experts’ opinions and infographics for better details.

On the other hand, it has also provided the national helpline number for Coronavirus which is (11-23978046) and (1075) and the official email ID is (ncov2019@gov.in).

Besides, the Government of India has also sought out the help of the tech giant Google to ensure that misinformation is not being spread for which Google has already launched “Do the Five: Stop Coronavirus” Program. Social Media Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok are also regulating content to spread only factual information.

All tech giants are in direct touch with WHO to spread awareness against the Coronavirus. Also, in his address to the nation, PM Modi called for a Janata Curfew on 22nd March from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Stay safe, stay updated. Fight Covid-19 with facts and sanitation.