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Daily Record
Daily Record
Health
Sophie Law

Coronavirus: WhatsApp users can text World Health Organisation for facts about coronavirus

It is important to get reliable facts during the coronavirus outbreak - and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has just made it easier than ever.

The United Nation's public health agency has launched a WhatsApp and Facebook messenger service to deliver all the latest information, advice and global figures.

Dubbed the WHO Health Alert, the instant service uses emojis controlled by an automated bot to keep you up-to-date with Covid-19 news.

Users can simply type “hi” to start the conversation, which then prompts options to choose from.

Dubbed the WHO Health Alert, the instant service uses emojis controlled by an automated bot to keep you up-to-date with Covid-19 news (WHO)

There are eight categories to choose from, including how to protect yourself, myth busters and the latest global figures.

You simply type the emoji to the corresponding category to help answer any questions you might have about the outbreak.

There are even useful YouTube videos to watch, including one on seven steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The bot also keeps users posted on the latest travel advice issued by overseas territories alongside the total new cases in the last 24 hours.

There are eight categories to choose from, including how to protect yourself, myth busters and the latest global figures (WHO)

It also has a myth busters section, dispelling rumours surrounding the virus.

This includes myths such as "cold weather and snow cannot kill the coronavirus, taking a hot bath does not prevent the coronavirus and hand dryers are not effective in killing the coronavirus".

A useful ‘Questions Answered’ option also provides information on anything you need to know, including: ‘should I wear a mask to protect myself’, ‘can I catch COVID-19 from surfaces or packages?, for example.

You can access the service here, from your phone.

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