Aarogya Setu does not give out a ‘loud siren’

There are reports claiming that the app gives out a siren when sending out alerts.

Aarogya Setu app alerts users when a Covid-19 person is nearby. (REUTERS)

Aarogya Setu app is being used by 10 crore people across India. The Covid-19 contact tracing app is also being made mandatory almost everywhere, air travel being the latest. The government has now issued an alert saying that the app does not give out any loud siren.

There are reports apparently which say that Aarogya Setu on detecting a Covid-19 positive person nearby will sound out a loud alarm. The siren is played when the app alerts the user that a Covid-19 person is nearby.

The @SetuAarogya app does not give out a loud siren when a COVID-19 patient approaches us. Reports claiming this are FAKE! Stay Informed, Stay Safe! #IndiaFightsCorona #MyGovFactCheck @PIB_India @PMOIndia @MIB_India pic.twitter.com/zaKNOkY5RB

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) May 22, 2020

“The Aarogya Setu app does not have an in-built siren. It gives out alerts,” MyGov India tweeted. It also alerted users to not fall for this fake news. Since the alarm does not exist it doesn't really cause any potential harm but it's best to stay away from fake news because that's really bad for health.

Aarogya Setu uses Bluetooth and GPS to alert users based on their location data. If the user approaches someone who is Covid-19 positive they will be alerted about it. This will however require the other person to be registered on the Aarogya Setu app. Users can also check within different location radius if there are Covid-19 cases around them.

The Covid-19 contact tracing app was recently made mandatory for air travel. Passengers who opt to travel will have to complete their self-assessment on the Aarogya Setu app or they will not be allowed to enter the airport. It's one of the guidelines issued for resumption of domestic air travel from May 25.