The WHO is now sending coronavirus updates via WhatsApp

Mar 23 2020, 9:19 pm

The World Health Organization has launched a COVID-19 alert service on WhatsApp to bring people the latest updates on the pandemic and help keep them safe.

To access service, users need to click the WHO’s link to open a conversation in WhatsApp. Typing “hi” activates the service, and users can receive coronavirus updates the same way they’d receive texts from a friend.

WHO WhatsApp

The WHO’s WhatsApp service. (Megan Devlin/Daily Hive)

From there, users can type questions into the chat to get information on the latest numbers, how to protect themselves, travel advice, and how to donate to help fight the pandemic.

WHO WhatsApp

Users can send emojis or numbers to ask questions. (Megan Devlin/Daily Hive)

In a news release, the WHO says the service has the potential to reach two billion users and “get information directly into the hands of the people that need it.”

It expects government staff, health workers, and others concerned about the virus to take advantage of the service that disseminates the WHO’s daily COVID-19 situation reports.

Megan DevlinMegan Devlin

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