Rumour mongering can hamper govt’s efforts

TNN | Mar 24, 2020, 04.35 AM IST

Madurai: At a time when Covid-19 scare is looming large, some mischief mongers are spreading rumours on social media, which could torpedo various measures taken by the state government in general and the health department in particular.

A video by a youth, criticising people for taking various precautionary measures in the wake of Covid-19, is being circulated largely through WhatsApp and Facebook. While in some of the houses people have started using turmeric powder mixed water and neem leaves to clean their front yard, he is seen criticising the precautionary measures done by a particular community, from which he too purportedly hails from.

He goes on to say that Covid-19 will not affect people from a particular community, who are strong by nature. In another video the same youth is seen asking people not be afraid of the virus at it would not affect the community. People, who are unaware of the strict warnings given by the Madurai district police and city police, have been circulating such videos.

A police official from Madurai district police said that they are scanning social media for rumour mongers and will be taking appropriate action against them. People have been asked to contact the police control room created for this purpose through 7708806111.