1086 calls in first 10 hrs: Pranksters keep Srinagar Covid call-centre busy on Day 1

Srinagar: The Srinagar district administration’s dedicated COVID-19 call-centre (helpline number: 6006333308) launched by Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu on Friday received as many as 1086 calls in the first 10 hours.

However, a significant number of these callers had dialled to play pranks while many wanted to just make sure the number actually worked.

Taking to Twitter, DC Srinagar  Shahid Choudhary said: “While it is gladdening to note 1086 calls in first 10 hours of launch of #Srinagar’s Covid response centre, but a significant percentage of them were prank or curiosity calls to check whether the system works. It does! We have been tested positive.”

Not just from Srinagar, the call centre received calls from Jammu, Delhi, and even Mumbai, as people tried to registered their concerns, while many just tried to have some fun.

“One prank call is at the cost of a genuine call in waiting. Always!” the DC said in another tweet highlighting how important it was that only those with genuine concerns dialled the number.

The call centre was launched on Friday for people to reach for essential services, emergency, socio-psychological support, medicare, or any grievances and issues.

“Amazing professionals to assist Srinagar. Suggestions welcome. Help us serve you better,” the DC said.

Earlier in the day, the Lt. Governor e-launched the COVID-19 Call Centre (Emergency Response and Management Centre) and Web & Mobile Applications for Real-Time Integrated COVID-19 Management System.

DC Srinagar, in an official handout, said the Real-time Integrated COVID-19 Management System has been developed to monitor all the operations of quarantine and isolation centres from District Control Room, thus enabling the officers to take quick decisions based on real-time data received from these centres.

This application manages all information about Quarantined persons admitted and keeps track of various activities regarding their travel, contact history, health check-up, test status, sanitation, other facilities, completion of quarantine period, shifting and monitoring during Home Quarantine period.

He said the aim of this initiative is to provide one-stop solution to matters surrounding COVID-19 situation in the district. Various helplines made available earlier have now been replaced with this single-stop mechanism, he added. Besides management of the situation and active management of containment efforts, the call centre will also provide one-stop solution to all grievances and needs of the people of the district, who can now call on 6006333308 for all such matters.