Team Herald
Panjim: A day after fear of COVID-19 community transmission grappled the State, the Goa Government on Tuesday filed a police complaint against a fake message that was falsely quoting Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.
The same message with incorrect information went viral on various social media platforms, creating further fear and panic in the minds of people.
The message with false info on social media that quoted Rane said, “The recovery of the patients is good but now it’s started community transmission in Mangor Hill, Vasco, Marcel and now at Verla, Mapusa. The government should even make Vasco a containment zone. There are more chances of getting asymptomatic patients there, who if not checked are likely to cause transmission to their work placed, friends, relatives, etc. Total lockdown is required”.
Responding to the same, the Health Minister informed media persons that acomplaint has been filed in connection with the fake message with District Collector and State Police under Epidemic Act.
“A fake message is being circulated on WhatsApp with my picture stating recovery of patients and how community transmission has begun in Goa,” Rane said.
“I would like to reiterate to the people that this is a very sensitive time and rumour-mongering will not be tolerated. We will be taking strict action against those installing fear amongst the people by spreading fake messages,” he said.
“A complaint in this regard has already been filed with the Collector and police station keeping the Epidemic Act into consideration,” Rane added.
The minister said “it is my humble request to the citizens to keep their faith in the health authorities who are working tirelessly to curb the spread and we are enhancing our testing facilities. Let us all be responsible citizens and support each other and Government in this fight against COVID-19.”
Further, speaking on the Mangor Hill situation, Rane emphasized that the State government is ensuring strict control measures and are vigilant about maintaining stringent testing to tackle further community spread.
“The government is working persistently towards flattening the curve through extensive levels of contact tracing and social assistance,” he said, while urging people to take all precautions like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing when in public.
