UK Government Launches Coronavirus Chatbot on WhatsApp

The UK government has launched a chatbot on WhatsApp, the social messaging service owned by Facebook, in order to give people information about the coronavirus.

Called the “Coronavirus Information Service,” its purpose is to direct people’s questions about the disease to confirmed government websites.

Information given includes “coronavirus prevention and symptoms, the latest number of cases in the UK, advice on staying at home, travel advice and myth busting.”

In order to access the service, users must save the number “07860064422” in their contacts, message the number on WhatsApp, and open the chat with the word “hi.” The chatbot, which has a green verification checkmark next to its name and profile image, apparently replies with menu options people can select.

“At difficult times like these, people are using WhatsApp more than ever to connect with and support their friends, family and communities.

We are pleased to be able to provide the UK Government with the communications tools to help them answer the public’s questions about the virus with reliable, timely health advice, in order to keep people safe” WhatsApp COO Matt Idema said in a statement.

The quality of the chatbot appears questionable; at time of writing, a message sent to activate the chatbot had not yet received a response or "delivered" notification.

This is not the only instance where a government has partnered with WhatsApp to develop a chatbot; in India, a bot called MyGov Corona Helpdesk helps people access coronavirus information.

This information includes symptoms of the disease as well as how people could seek help, according to TechCrunch.

On a global scale, WhatsApp has partnered with WHO, UNICEF, and UNDP to attack the COVID-19 pandemic by providing guidance for health care professionals, educators, non-profits, governments, and local businesses about using the service to keep people informed.

In the US, Microsoft’s “Healthcare Bot” has been used as the foundation for a chatbot managed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called “Clara.” This bot can assess symptoms, suggest what actions should be taken, and provide tips for managing at home.

The UK government has launched a chatbot on WhatsApp, the social messaging service owned by Facebook, in order to give people information about the coronavirus.

Called the “Coronavirus Information Service,” its purpose is to direct people’s questions about the disease to confirmed government websites.

Information given includes “coronavirus prevention and symptoms, the latest number of cases in the UK, advice on staying at home, travel advice and myth busting.”

In order to access the service, users must save the number “07860064422” in their contacts, message the number on WhatsApp, and open the chat with the word “hi.” The chatbot, which has a green verification checkmark next to its name and profile image, apparently replies with menu options people can select.

“At difficult times like these, people are using WhatsApp more than ever to connect with and support their friends, family and communities.

We are pleased to be able to provide the UK Government with the communications tools to help them answer the public’s questions about the virus with reliable, timely health advice, in order to keep people safe” WhatsApp COO Matt Idema said in a statement.

The quality of the chatbot appears questionable; at time of writing, a message sent to activate the chatbot had not yet received a response or "delivered" notification.

This is not the only instance where a government has partnered with WhatsApp to develop a chatbot; in India, a bot called MyGov Corona Helpdesk helps people access coronavirus information.

This information includes symptoms of the disease as well as how people could seek help, according to TechCrunch.

On a global scale, WhatsApp has partnered with WHO, UNICEF, and UNDP to attack the COVID-19 pandemic by providing guidance for health care professionals, educators, non-profits, governments, and local businesses about using the service to keep people informed.

In the US, Microsoft’s “Healthcare Bot” has been used as the foundation for a chatbot managed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called “Clara.” This bot can assess symptoms, suggest what actions should be taken, and provide tips for managing at home.