Coronavirus India: Govt's 'Aarogya Setu' App Crosses 5 Million Downloads in 3 Days

In just three days of launch, the Aarogya Setu app has got 5 million downloads on Google Play Store. It has also become one of the top free apps in India on both Google Play and App Store.

Image Courtesy: Twitter/@PiyushGoyal

New Delhi: The Indian government had recently launched the Aarogya Setu app on Android and iOS. It helps people in tracking the coronavirus infection by using the smartphone's GPS system and Bluetooth and provides information that will help users in determining if they have been near a Covid-19 infected person or not. In just three days of launch, the Aarogya Setu app has got 5 million downloads on Google Play Store. It has also become one of the top free apps in India on both Google Play and App Store. Even though, the App Store does not reveal the number of downloads of the app, Aarogya Setu can be seen on the top spot in the Health and Fitness section, and the Free Apps section.

#AarogyaSetu has more than ONE CRORE downloads! Stand strong together in this #FightAgainstCOVID19. Together, we will win.

मैं सुरक्षित । हम सुरक्षित । भारत सुरक्षित | Play Store: https://t.co/7BprV3cupZ ioS: https://t.co/Yge2uC4Ta6 pic.twitter.com/SkmhCZEDwn — Aarogya Setu (@SetuAarogya) April 4, 2020

With this app, the government aims to make people more aware about the spread of the Covid-19 cases in India, by informing the citizens with relevant information. The Government is promoting it through several venues, one of the important ones being schools. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE board) has asked all schools and institutions to urge students, teachers, parents, staff, and others to install the app. The Aarogya Setu app supports 11 languages. Once you have downloaded the app, you need to register with your mobile number. Then the app will has ask you to enter your health stats and other details. To enable tracking, you will have to keep your GPS/location and Bluetooth services on. Once you are into the app, the app will scan your location and share the your data with the government in case you’ve been tested positive for coronavirus or have been in close contact with a person who was tested positive. For those who are unwell and are worried about being infected, the app also has a dedicated a chatbot. It asks you a series of questions to determine if you have any symptoms of Covid-19. It also informs you about the facilities and updates from the health ministry along with important helpline numbers. The data is only be shared with the Government of India to track Covid-19 cases and none of your personal information is disclosed publicly.