WhatsApp is becoming one more tool to obtain direct information from the OMS with its new bot. This function of the WHO will provide all those who want to obtain official information on different topics directly related to the coronavirus or Covid-19 pandemic. Also the bot will be available in all six languages of the United Nations but right now it is only available in English. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
It is possible that while we are writing this article the languages are already available and therefore we can all easily consult real and contrasted information since it comes from directly from WHOMore reliable information than that on this pandemic we will not find.
Useful information on how to protect yourself or detect fake news
It is difficult to detect fake news but when we have direct information from WHO we can be convinced that it is true information. Details on how to protect yourself from infection, advice for those who have to travel yes or yes, how to detect "fake news" about the coronavirus and information on the fly about the virus.
Logically this service is totally free and it allows with a few simple steps to use the bot to obtain official information. The operation is very simple and anyone can use it from their smartphone.
The first thing we have to do is save the number +41 79 893 18 92 between our contacts and once saved send a message with the word "Hello" to start interacting with the bot. A "bot" is for those who do not know a machine that answers automatically, it is not a real person but the information that this bot sends is controlled by people so in this case with the WHO behind it, the information is totally real.
This is how the WHO Health Alert bot works
Right now when we write this article it works with the word "Hello" but it is possible that right now it is already available with the word "Hello". We can write the option number or with an emoji and we find the following responses to these actions:
- Obtain figures on people infected and deceased by the coronavirus
- All the information on how to avoid the contagion of this Covid-19, with tips to wash our hands or avoid areas with overcrowding of people
- Answers to the most common questions by re-entering another number to get the answer
- Some hoaxes about the coronavirus, urban legends etc shared on networks
- Tips for traveling
- News related to Covid-19
- A simple way to share this bot with our contacts
- Donations section
The WhatsApp website also provides information on the direct WHO with the Health Alert. The WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Center There are also constant news about the evolution of this pandemic and it is one of the safest ways to keep up to date with recent official health information evidently allowing sharing this information.
The Director of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, explains that networks and technology in good hands is a very valuable tool, but it is also important to obtain reliable information and not believe all those that we see published:
Digital technology provides us with a unique and unprecedented opportunity for all vital health information to be shared quickly and efficiently, thus preventing this pandemic from spreading more quickly, helping to save lives and protect the most vulnerable with real information and do not share everything you read on the networks or the media.
We can say that we are in a difficult time but together we have to make the best of the situation, we understand that it is difficult for many people to stay at home right now and that small companies have many problems at the moment but we must act now and quickly . It is good that the news and all the information are shared quickly through social networks and others, but you have to be careful with what you share currently and more in the situation in which we find ourselves since the safety and even the lives of people depend on it in many cases.