A mobile application, "CoronaCheck", that allows users to conduct self-assessment at home was launched here on Thursday by the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).

The self-assessment tool - an interactive chatbot driven by artificial intelligence (AI) - allows users to understand their symptoms to see if they have contracted COVID-19 and how to seek help promptly.

The tool has been adopted from the Alberta Health Services and modified by the AKUH experts to meet both local contexts and the evolving epidemiology of the disease. It aims to identify potential coronavirus carriers, limit their risk of transmission and seek help from officially designated national helplines listed within the app.

Since myths and misconceptions regarding COVID-19 have been fuelling panic nationwide and further contributing to the spread of the disease, "CoronaCheck" also features educational videos translated into local languages to combat unverified information that is circulating on social media platforms.

It also includes official information on best practices, advice on self-assessment, precautions, the need for physical distancing and self-care for COVID-19, published by sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

"CoronaCheck" is now available in Pakistan and can be downloaded through the GooglePlay Store. Other country versions and iOS versions will be rolled out in coming weeks.