PIB  Fack Check: No Lockdown; rumours are going viral “pure scaremongering”

Image Courtesy: @PIBFactcheck/Twitter)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 19

Many rumours going viral on social media about imminent ‘lockdown’ of the country are pure scaremongering, clarified a governmental agency concerned with “countering misinformation on Govt. policies/schemes.”    

The the rumour mill went into overdrive on March 19 after an announcement was made regarding the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation at 8PM.

Dispelling the ‘lockdown’ rumours an update on Twitter by PIB Fact Check stated:

“Many ‘lockdown’ rumours are going viral on #WhatsApp and other social media platforms...The assertion made in the message is fake and pure scaremongering.”

 Don’t fall for such rumours!,” it added.

However, Prime Minister Modi will address the nation on the issues related to COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to combat it at 8PM in the evening, PIB India Tweeted.

Earlier, the Times of India in a report also debunked another rumour on Whatsapp that India is going to impose a lockdown from 8 PM on Thursday.

A message on Whatsapp read:

"Hello Everyone!

India would be heading for a nation wide lock-down from tonight 8PM onward.

Prime minister will give the speech today.

So, please be prepared!"

According to the ToI report, the message had created panic among people who have started hoarding and stocking up before the alleged move sets in.

 “We have been told officially that it is incorrect,” the report said. The report added that the clarification to the ToI stated:

"Some media outlets are speculating that PM Modi will announce a lock down in his address.

This information is incorrect. It will also create unnecessary panic in the minds of people, which is the last thing we need in a time like this.

Please know that this is just one of the several rumours doing the rounds on social media."