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A mobile app help citizens identify their risk of Covid-19 and relevent services

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Innovative response

Aarogya Setu, a mobile app developed by the ministry of electronics and IT to help citizens identify their risk of contracting Covid-19 (coronavirus), has notched up more than 76 million downloads by 1st May 2020. The app is there on both Google Play (for Android phones) and Apple App Store (for ioS). It is available in 11 languages — 10 Indian languages and English. Aarogya Setu is designed to keep an user informed in case s/he has crossed paths with someone who has tested positive. The tracking is done through a Bluetooth & location-generated social graph, which can show your interaction with anyone who has tested positive.After installing the app, you have to switch on Bluetooth (you are recommended to keep it on at all times) and Location.
It has a tool for self-testing. The user is asked to answer a number of questions. In case some of the answers suggest Covid symptoms, the information will be sent to a government server. The data will then help the government take timely steps and initiate the isolation procedure, if necessary.

You will be alerted if someone you came in close proximity with, unknowingly, tests positive. The app alerts are accompanied by instructions on how to self-isolate and what to do in case you develop symptoms.

Specific issues addressed and anticipated impact

Aarogya Setu, the government’s Covid-19 contact tracing app, is the mother of all apps related to the virus outbreak. App one of the most important tools in fighting COVID-19 and one of the lifelines for common people during this global pandemic .Aarogya Setu is designed to keep an user informed in case s/he has crossed paths with someone who has tested positive.
Government of India has incorporate all Covid-19 virus related information and services within the application. It is single point of access for food shelters, night shelters as well as Suraksha retail stores that are being launched across the country.

A national telemedicine platform is also integrated within the app so that people with any illness can consult a doctor remotely. The app is also being tried as the single interface for all curfew passes .
Economy is also important , hence once the lockdown opens App will help citizen monitor themselves. Government wants 350 million people to register by May end

Organisations/institutions involved

Government of India . Prime minister Office

Potential issues

More services need to be added and brand width to increase

Level(s) of government:
  • National/Federal government

Issues being addressed:

  • Information and practice sharing (with public and/or internal)
  • Real-time data collection, sharing, and analysis

Response contact:

[email protected]

Response tags:

Media:

Date Submitted:

1 May 2020