NewsBytes Profile picture
Official account of NewsBytes. NewsBytes is India's only explanatory journalism portal.

May 3, 2021, 6 tweets

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in India, Facebook-owned messaging giant WhatsApp has stepped up to help. The platform has teamed up with the MyGov Corona Helpdesk Chatbot to offer its services via WhatsApp chat too. #WhatsApp #COVID19
newsbytesapp.com/news/science/w…

On WhatsApp, the chatbot can help you locate the nearest COVID-19 vaccination center based on your PIN code. To use it, save the MyGov Corona Helpdesk Chatbot's phone number (+91 9013151515) to your contact list. Open WhatsApp, and send a message saying "Namaste" or "Hi."

An automated response will request your six-digit PIN code. Once entered, the chatbot displays COVID-19 vaccination centers in your area. Alternatively, you can use this link (wa.me/919013151515?t…) to directly start messaging the chatbot. #WhatsApp

Besides assisting with vaccination center location, the chatbot also offers professional advice on improving immunity, a collection of success stories, a news fact-checker, a COVID-19 explainer, risk reduction tips, and COVID-19 updates. The chatbot is also available in Hindi.

The MyGov Corona Helpdesk was launched early last year when the pandemic was beginning to make its presence felt. Since India has begun vaccination for those aged 18 through 44 from May 1, WhatsApp's timely initiative could prove useful. #WhatsApp #CoronaSecondWave #COVID19

Some of the other ways you can locate your nearest COVID-19 vaccination center include Google Maps, Aarogya Setu app, and the Indian government's Co-WIN portal. Recently, Truecaller had launched a region-specific directory of designated COVID-19 hospitals in India. #AarogyaSetu

Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.

A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.

Keep scrolling