#Breakthechain campaign, SMS alert launched by Kerala govt to create awareness on COVID-19

Team Udayavani, Mar 17, 2020, 3:34 PM IST

Kasaragod/Thiruvananthapuram: A mass handwashing campaign named ‘break the chain’ has been launched by the Kerala government in order to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The campaign was launched to educate people about the importance of public and personal hygiene. Under this campaign, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has installed water taps at public spots such as at the entry and exit gates of the railway stations with hand wash bottles.

It is also urging people to use hand sanitizers when they are outdoors. Sanitisers have also been made available in all offices.

The people of are taking up the break the chain campaign in a big way and the citizens of Nanmanda in Kozhikode district have set up a handwashing facility at a bus stop. Through this the locals have made arrangements for those who alight at the bus stop, to wash their hands.

An SMS alert facility for creating awareness among people about Covid-19 was launched by the Kerala government here on Tuesday,

People can register their mobile numbers by giving a missed call to receive relevant information and updates on the outbreak.
“Kerala Government’s Information & Public Relations Department has launched an SMS alert system for creating awareness on COVID-19.

Give a missed call at 830 220 1133 and register your number. Then you will start receiving relevant information and updates on the outbreak,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a Facebook post.

He urged people to avail of this service to get authentic and official information and not get misguided by rumours and fake news.

Meanwhile, police said it would help foreigners who fail to get accommodation following the coronavirus scare.

The state has earlier launched a mobile application ‘GoK Direct’ which provides information and updates on COVID-19.

“News related to Covid-19, Government Orders and notices, helpline numbers and other details would be available on the app,” state health minister KK Shailaja had said, adding that quarantine protocol, advice to visitors and awareness to travellers are also included in the app.