Coronavirus: Govt launches MyGov Corona Helpdesk

How to use MyGov Corona Helpdesk chatbot?

The MyGov Corona Helpdesk can be used by all WhatsApp users for free. 

Users just need to save the number — 9013151515 — in their contacts list and send a message to get a response.

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 WhatsApp, including about possible treatments for the Coronavirus and even preventive measures that could save you from the Coronavirus infection, all of which are absolutely incorrect. The National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) said in a tweet, “The Government has created WhatsApp Chatbot on Corona. It is called MyGov Corona Helpdesk. Just save on WhatsApp 9013151515 and you will get automated response on queries related to Corona.”

Other than WhatsApp, Google has also initiated the ‘Do the Five. Help stop Coronavirus’ campaign on its Search home page that lists out the five things people should follow to prevent coronavirus. These include washing their hands, coughing into their elbow, not touching their face, maintaining a safe distance and staying at home if they are sick.

The Ministry of Health has also created a webpage that gives important information on coronavirus and related data in real-time:  

Check official website here 

List of helpline numbers of states and union territories in India

The central helpline number for COVID-19 queries in India is +91-11-23978046. Anyone can dial the helpline number for queries and clarifications regarding the coronavirus pandemic. They can also send an email to ‘ncov2019@gov.in’ for getting details.

Also read: Coronavirus test centers in India