The Government is planning to tackle coronavirus misinformation using its WhatsApp chatbot service for official advice.
The free service was launched in March to ease pressure on the NHS and guide the public towards official guidance on the virus.
Concerns about misinformation on social media relating to coronavirus have been a serious concern for officials.
Yorkshire Live reported that more than one million messages have been sent to the public so far.
Now, the Conservative government say the service will be updated with advice on a number of new topics, with a particular focus on myth-busting and disinformation.
The new content will include advice for people at high risk of contracting the virus, more details on social distancing and advice for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It also includes financial information on how to check if someone is eligible for Statutory Sick Pay or Universal Credit and how to apply for financial help if someone is self-employed.
The free service, powered by artificial intelligence, can be accessed by adding 07860064422 to your phone contacts.
You can then message the word "hi" in a WhatsApp message to get started.
A set of menu options will then be presented, from which you can choose from and be sent relevant guidance related to that topic.
Matt Idema, WhatsApp chief operating officer, said: "People all over the world are using WhatsApp more than ever to connect with and support their friends, family and communities during this crisis.
"Now, thanks to the UK Government's Coronavirus Information Service, the British public can also get official, timely and trustworthy advice about Coronavirus on WhatsApp.
"We will continue to support the UK Government to develop the service with updated information and official guidance as the situation develops."
The MoD has sent a team to support the Cabinet Office’s work to tackle online misinformation as part of its Covid Support Force.
A spokesman said: “A team from the Ministry of Defence is supporting Cabinet Office’s work to tackle dangerous misinformation such as supposed online ‘experts’ and fraudulent phishing scams.”
For all of the latest updates on coronavirus in Edinburgh, visit our breaking news live blog here.
Another way to stay updated is by joining our new Edinburgh coronavirus news Facebook group.
For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland, click here.
