Aarogya Setu App: India’s tech tool to fight against COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges citizens of India to download the Aarogya Setu mobile app. The app is an important tool for contact tracing which is significant in the fight against Corona Virus. Here is all you need to know about the  Aarogya Setu app. 

In his address to the nation on April 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced extension of the ongoing lockdown for 20 more days, until May 3, 2020. Its seems to be a correct move for a nation as large as India, which till date has been able to contain large outbursts of the slot pulsa tanpa potongan.

He stated in his address:

“Till 20^th April, all districts, localities, states will be closely monitored, as to how strictly they are implementing norms. States which will not let hotspots incease, they could be allowed to let some important activities to resume, but with certain conditions. In case of any positive development in any particular area or district, we can give a conditional concession from April 20. In case of any violation, development of any new hotspots, those concessions will be rolled back in those areas.”

The Prime Minister along with the extension message, also emphasised on the ‘Saptapadi’, the Seven Vows or commandments that each citizen should follow, to collectively beat the Corona virus threat. One of the tasks he gave to each India was to download the Aarogya Setu Mobile App.

Launched earlier this month, Aarogya Setu is a Coronavirus, or COVID-19 contact tracing app developed by the Government of India which is aimed at alerting people from individuals who have been tested positive with the virus and assist people with basic knowledge to combat it.

So, how does the Aarogya Setu app work?

With the help of Bluetooth and location tracking technology on your phone, the app beeps when you come in contact or periphery of individuals that are quarantined, infected or suspected of being susceptible to the virus. In case you encounter such individuals who are positively infected, the health authorities will alert you to go to the nearest authorised testing centre.

Note: The app recommends that the users keep Bluetooth and location sharing on at all the times for the app to work, though it is not mandatory.

The app records these data to keep a check on how the virus is spreading across the nation and to be aware of any new potential cases that might arise. In data sharing, it states, “The app does not allow your name and number to be disclosed to the public at large at any time.” The App also has the feature of self assessment for users, which can help the user identify early on, if COVID19 infection has set in.

Additionally, to help you navigate the affected victims, Aarogya Setu is also a good instruction manual and information source for everything you need to know about COVID-19, from tips on self-isolation and detailed instructions on safety measures to actions one should take in case he/she develops the symptoms.

With the app available in 11 languages and easily available on Android and iOS platform, the government advises each one to download this app and help agencies in the fight against corona.