Aarogya Setu: Government launches coronavirus tracker app

New Delhi : Till date, Indian government had been raising awareness about the coronavirus via its MyGov App and now, it has launched a dedicated coronavirus tracking application called Aarogya Setu.

It has been designed in a way that with the help of Bluetooth and smartphone's location data it keeps a check if you have been near a coronavirus patient. Spotted by The Next Web first, the app determines if you are at risk by looking through a database of known cases across India.

How does application works?

The application uses your location data to determine where the user exactly is and with the help of Bluetooth it tries to find if you are maintaining the required distance from the COVID-19 suspect. Based on this, the app shows if you are at a ‘high risk’ or not. In case you are in a high risk area, the app advises you to go for a test and call the toll-free number 1075 to schedule an appointment at a nearby testing centre.

Additionally, the application also helps you with the measures and precautions you can take to avoid coronavirus contagion.

The app even shares your data with the government in case you are tested positive for Covid-19 or have been in contact with the person. However, the app’s privacy policy does add that the data is not shared by third-party users.

A chatbot has also been added to answer basic queries over the COVID-19.

The app, for now, is available to download from Google Play Store. Here’s what the description says:

"Aarogya Setu is a mobile application developed by the Government of India to connect essential health services with the people of India in our combined fight against Covid-19. The App is aimed at augmenting the initiatives of the Government of India, particularly the Department of Health, in proactively reaching out to and informing the users of the app regarding risks, best practices and relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of Covid-19."