New Delhi: The government on Thursday launched the Aarogya Setu, its official coronavirus tracing app. Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the app will notify users if they have come in contact with any COVID-19 positive person at any given point. Also Read – AarogyaSetu: How Will This App Fight Coronavirus Pandemic in India | Read Here
Notably, during the testing stage, the app was given the name ‘Corona Kavach.‘ Here’s what you need to know about it: Also Read – ‘Corona Kavach’: Government to Launch App to Track COVID-19 Cases | Here’s How it Works
What does ‘Aarogya Setu’ mean and how to use it: The word ‘Aarogya Setu’ has been derived from Sanskrit and literally translates to ‘a bridge of light.’ The app notifies users if they come in contact with anyone having COVID-19, at any given time, and whether there are chances to get infected. It also gives them tips to protect themselves from the virus.
The app uses the phone location of a user, and bluetooth sensors, to detect his/her movements, keep track, and notify if they come in contact with a carrier of coronavirus infection.
At present, it is available in India in 11 languages, including English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, among others.
Downloading the Aarogya Setu app: The app can be downloaded both from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A user will, however, first have to register his/her personal details for the app to be able to track them. These details, the disclaimer says, will only be shared with the Government of India, and no third parties will be involved.
Step 1: Visit the Google Play Store/Apple App Store
Step 2: Click on the search icon and type ‘Aarogya Setu’
Step 3: Click on the app (the first option) which says ‘developed by MeitY). Download it but make sure that your phone’s WiFi is on
Step 4: You will find the app downloaded on your phone
