New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) The Indian government has launched a WhatsApp chatbot called 'MyGov Corona Helpdesk' to help address queries around the coronavirus pandemic.

The chatbot has been developed and implemented by Jio Haptik Technologies Limited, a conversational AI platform and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).

With WhatsApp user base in India crossing over 400 million, this is a medium to route basic hygiene practices around the virus, the company said in a statement.

One can access the chatbot by sending a Whatsapp message to the number +91 9013151515.

Equipped with verified data from the Ministry of Health, the chatbot can resolve frequently asked questions pertaining to the novel coronavirus. This includes necessary precautionary measures, symptoms, correct and incorrect facts, helpline numbers, affected cases in the region, government advisories (including travel), informational videos etc.

The idea is to have the right information at the touch of a button while preventing the spread of this pandemic across the country by following basic hygiene practices, said the company.

--IANS wh/arm