Govt. launches Chatbot on WhatsApp named MyGov Corona Helpdesk

The coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm with over 2 lakh people being affected. India is leaving no stone unturned to combat the dreaded disease. With myths and misinformation spreading as fast as COVID-19 itself, the Centre has launched an official chatbot on messaging app WhatsApp to resolve any queries related to COVID-19.

The chatbot has been named MyGov Corona Helpdesk and is a bid to make citizens aware of the pandemic.

Key Highlights

• To use the MyGov Corona Helpdesk, one needs to save the number 9013151515 in the phone’s contact list and send a query related to COVID-19 to get an answer. The helpdesk is free for all.
• The government has not limited itself to the WhatsApp chatbot and has set up two helpline numbers +91-11-23978046 and 1075 (toll-free) as well to answer queries.
• The Centre has also set up an email id ncov2019@gov.in to resolve any queries that people might have regarding the dreaded disease.
• The Ministry of Health has also created a webpage (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/) that provides important information.
• Apart from the government initiative, Google too has started an initiative called ‘Do the Five. Help stop Coronavirus’ campaign on its home page which lists out the things a person should follow to prevent the spread of the disease.
• India has recorded over 200 cases of coronavirus and has had five casualties till now.

SOURCE: The Hindu

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