Babylon to train its health chatbot to recognise coronavirus symptoms

The new strain of coronavirus sweeping across the world has put the UK Government on alert as the number of cases in the country surged past 100 this week. Warnings have been issued that up to one in five workers in the UK could be off sick at the peak of the outbreak. Babylon, which has been campaigning for a "digital-first approach" to health services, has taken additional measures to support patients who might turn to the app for advice, including revisions to information cards on coronavirus within its app. It is coordinating with the NHS and World Health Organisation as part of an effort to "identify, contain and help delay the spread of the virus". It also operates a 24/7 video service in its app, which gives patients access to a GP from their smartphone. Dr Grimes said it is "really helpful at a time like this", as patients can access clinicians remotely and "stop the spread of illness between patients congregating at a clinic".