An automatic screening tool for people who suspect they might be infected with coronavirus is available for the residents and visitors of Mexico City through several channels: via SMS (free of charge), Facebook Messenger, doing an online test or calling the non-emergency number (Locatel). The aim is to monitor potential patients and provide follow-up to the cases of people whose symptoms worsen, in order to give them better attention and work to contain the spread of the pandemic in Mexico City.
The user enters her contact information and symptoms and answers the automatic question flow. According to her responses, the system provides a general diagnosis that classifies her case as low, moderate or high risk, and general hygiene and prevention measures.
In the case of users whose cases are considered to be of high risk, the doctors working at Locatel get directly in touch with the person to provide personalized attention. The service is also available in English, as to cover foreign visitors to the city that have symptoms and require immediate attention.
As of March 27, 2020, the system had registered the following parameters:
Total SMS: 4.7 million
Total users: 178, 378
Completed questionnaires: 128,378
Users who were referred to the Health Ministry after a second questionnaire: 649

This solution intends to provide attention to potential patients, without them leaving home in orden to prevent further contagion. It provides follow-up to people who were moderately in risk of having COVID a couple of days after they first entered their information using any of the channels aforementioned. In case the symptoms have gotten worse and they are considered as highly in risk of being infected, they receive a medical kit and provisions in their homes.
The tool also provides general recommendations to prevent contagion, such as washing your hands frequently, staying at home and covering the coughs with the bend of the elbow. The data on the location of the potential cases is used for monitoring the spread of the pandemic.

Digital Agency for Public Innovation of Mexico City
Health Ministry of Mexico City
Citizen Participation Office of Mexico City

The changes in the phases of the pandemic have led us to make the necessary changes in the question flow. For instance, when the country entered Phase 2 and there were cases unrelated to people that had gotten the virus in another country, the assessment was modified so that the question about the user visiting another country was considered less relevant, and the emergency services (911) were also involved to be in charge of cases that were in need of immediate attention.
Both the original question flow and the subsequent changes have been designed hand in hand with the authorities and doctors of the Health Ministry.