Fake News Alert: No, WHO didn't issue any lockdown protocol or procedure

 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 7

 

With the ongoing 21-day national lockdown entering into the final week, understandably people are edgy and worried about whether it would be extended or not.

 

Expectedly, fake viral messages are floating around regarding the nature of lockdown.

 

One such message purportedly claiming to be a World Health Organisation’s circular regarding “Protocol & Procedure of Lockdown Period” for controlling on “most dangerous virus” has been widely circulated on social media, especially on WhatsApp.

 

The message has a 4-step protocols and procedures for a lockdown to control a viral disease.  

 

If one were to believe the ‘circular,’ after the first 21-day first lockdown period ends on April 14, there would be a relaxation period from April 15-19, after which the 2nd lockdown period for 28 days would begin from April 20.

 

The complete message reads:

 “WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION PROTOCOL&PROCEDURE OF LOCKDOWN PERIODS FOR CONTROLLING ON MOST DANGEROUS VIRUS

STEP 1 – 1 DAY.

 STEP 2- 21 DAYS.

 AFTER 5 DAYS.

STEP 3- 28 DAYS.

AFTER 5 DAYS.

STEP 4 – 15 DAYS.

The sameway, our Indian governments are follow:

 MAR 22-1 DAY (TRIAL LOCKDOWN)

MAR24-APR14 – 21 DAYS (FIRST LOCKDOWN)

APRIL15- APRIL19 – RELAX FROM LOCKDOWN. APR20 – MAY 18 – 28 DAYS (SECOND LOCKDOWN)

INCASE, Covid19 patient ratio is Zero

Withdraw the LOCKDOWN.

Otherwise, May19 – May 24 – Relax from LOCKDOWN.

May 25 – June 10 – 15 days (FINAL LOCKDOWN)” (sic).

 

 No such protocol, assert WHO, Indian Govt agency 

With the fake ‘circular’ going viral on various social media platform,  the WHO on April 4 issued a clarification denying the existence of such protocol.

 

“WHO would like to clarify that a FAKE message is being circulated on social media stating that it has released a four step protocol and procedure for lockdown in India,” WHO said in a statement.

 

“WHO has NOT issued any such advisory or protocol,” it said.

 

The WHO further advised the people to visit the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and WHO Website “for verified information on COVID-19.”

 

Meanwhile, the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check, which counters such fake news as well as misinformation on Government policies or schemes, also debunked the message as fake.

 

Sharing the viral image, the PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) on April 5 tweeted that the circular is ‘Fake’ and the “The WHO has NOT issued any such protocols or procedures of lockdown.”  

 

“The WHO has already tweeted it as #Fake,” it added.

 

The Centre is yet to issue any official statement regarding the lockdown once the 21-day period ends.