Spreading false information about Covid-19 is punishable: Health Director
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 18 2020:
Director of Health Services, Dr K Rajo has cautioned that anyone found spreading any false information or rumours about Covid-19 reaching the State, can be punished according to the law.
Speaking to media persons at his office at Lamphelpat today, Dr K Rajo clarified that the virus has not yet been confirmed in Manipur and the State Government is taking up every possible preventive measures to ensure that the virus does not reach the State.
It is very concerning that some rumours went viral on social media claiming that Covid-19 had reached the State.
The State Government has already issued the Manipur Epidemic Diseases Covid-19 Regulations, 2020 and as per this regulation, anyone found spreading false rumours and informations about Covid-19 can face appropriate punishment according to the law, the Director explained, appealing to one and all to refrain from resorting to such dangerous behaviour.
He then informed that based on one such report which claimed that a Covid-19 patient had been admitted in a private hospital, necessary tests were conducted and it has been ascertained that the patient is afflicted with Swine Flu.
The Director clarified that people need not panic as there are vaccine and cures for Swine Flu and added that it is a disease which the State is already familiar with in the past.