Coronavirus: Govt launches MyGov Corona Helpdesk

In a bid to make citizens aware of the coronavirus pandemic, the Centre has launched an official chatbot on WhatsApp. Called MyGov Corona Helpdesk, the WhatsApp chatbot can be used to resolve any queries related to Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Apart from the MyGov WhatsApp Chatbot, the government has also set up two helpline numbers — +91-11-23978046 and 1075 (toll-free) — and email id (ncov2019@gov.in) to resolve the queries of Indian citizens. A list of helpline numbers for all states and union territories in India has also been released.

This is a good move at a time when misinformation and fake news are rampant on Whats App, including about possible treatments for the Corona virus and even preventive measures that could save you from the Corona virus infection, all of which are absolutely incorrect. The National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) said in a tweet, “The Government has created Whats App Chat bot on Corona. It is called My-gov Corona Help desk. Just save on Whats App 9013151515 and you will get automated response on queries related to Corona.”