Odisha: Mobile App launched to counter COVID-19 misinformation & stigma

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to counter misinformation campaigns on COVID-19, Odisha Government has launched a mobile application that would provide necessary details and proper guidance to people to help them combat the disease.

Developed by the state Government in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the app will generate awareness on the pandemic, especially among the younger population, who account for 55.49 % of the state’s total coronavirus count, said a senior official.

Of the 52,653 COVID-19 cases in Odisha, 29,999 are in the age group of 15 to 40 years, and 15,638 in 41 -60 years age bracket, the official said.

The new app will provide scientific information on COVID-19 in English and Odia. It will help dispel myths and prevent ostracisation of coronavirus patients.

“Videos on safety measures and guidelines to control the spread of the disease, along with other dos and donts, are also available on the app. The self-learning software can be downloaded from Google Play Store,” the official said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said those asymptomatic or with mild symptoms are finding it difficult to undergo home isolation due to the social stigma associated with the viral disease. The fear and stigma surrounding COVID-19 must be removed from the minds of the people so that more and more people can opt for home isolation, the CM had said.

(PTI)