New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has launched a dedicated helpline number on WhatsApp to provide citizens with credible information about the Covid-19 pandemic.

To use the helpline, users need to save the WhatsApp helpline number - 91 88000 07722, in their phone contacts and then text ‘Hi’ on WhatsApp to get started. This service has been built on the WhatsApp Business API and will be available in English.

"...the Health and Family Welfare Department of Government of NCT of Delhi has launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline number - 91 88000 07722. This service is free-to-use and will act as a central source for accurate, trustworthy and up-to-date information on the ongoing pandemic," WhatsApp said in a statement.

The helpline is an automated ‘chatbot’ service that will give citizens verified answers to questions about coronavirus from the government health department within 24 hours.

Users can receive information on coronavirus prevention and symptoms along with tips on how to keep themselves safe. They will also be provided with other service helpline numbers and general information on measures that the government is taking to tackle this crisis.

"The Delhi government is happy to partner with WhatsApp to establish a dedicated Coronavirus helpline for its residents to ensure that all your queries related to Coronavirus are answered with credible and accurate information. We are doing everything we can to keep our citizens safe in these challenging times and urge everyone to stay indoors and ensure they rely only on verified channels of information," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

WhatsApp India Head Abhijit Bose said the company's focus, is to make sure every citizen can access credible and accurate information regarding the pandemic.

"We value the opportunity to support the Government of Delhi and urge people to do their part by relying on authentic and official sources of information," he added.

Similar services have been introduced in several states of India to ensure that citizens receive credible information in English and their specific regional language. Users can reach health ministries of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Kerala on WhatsApp, as other states prepare to launch their respective WhatsApp helpline in the coming days.

(With Agency Inputs)