Have questions about the Coronavirus? This Indian startup created a WhatsApp chatbot to answer them all

• Indian conversational Artificial Intelligence platform Haptik has built a WhatsApp chatbot to answer queries about the novel Coronavirus.
• Called the nCov Helpdesk, users can ask questions and check facts about the widespread Coronavirus epidemic.
• Haptik aims to shatter myths and suggest basic hygiene practices around the virus.

The Coronavirus outbreak has spread panic around the world. Every day, there are hundreds of WhatsApp forwards that share do’s and don’ts, each promising to prevent the virus infection. With fear on their mind, people are forwarding these messages to friends and family - spreading information.

But an Indian startup has decided to take matters into its hands.

Indian conversational Artificial Intelligence platform Haptik built a WhatsApp chatbot to answer queries about the novel Coronavirus. Called the nCov Helpdesk, users can ask questions and check facts about the widespread Coronavirus epidemic.

“As with any such sudden pandemic there is a sudden panic that causes the spread of misinformation, which in turn leads to further anxiety. So, not only is prevention the need of the hour, but also education and awareness about the situation,” Haptik said in a statement.

With the chatbot, Haptik aims to shatter myths and suggests basic hygiene practices around the virus. For the chatbot, the referral point is the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Based on data available on the WHO website, the bot is trained to answer frequently asked questions on the new coronavirus. Some of these include information on following basic hygiene standards, preventive measures, common symptoms and myths amongst others. Moreover, the helpdesk also provides access to a video link on the novel coronavirus,” the company said.

Users can access the chatbot by sending messages on +91 93213 98773.

The number of confirmed cases in India has been rising. According to the latest data, there are now 31 confirmed cases in India, including the 16 Italian nationals who were touring India. Schools in the national capital Delhi are shut until March 31, as a precautionary measure.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and WHO also organised a day-long training on Covid-19. “It is being attended by 280 health officials from all states, and hospitals of railways, defence, and paramilitary forces. It was also virtually attended by 1000 nodes across the country,” said the official statement.

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