The novel coronavirus outbreak has brought with it an avalanche of fake news, misinformation and rumours. With India under a near-complete lockdown till April 14, there have been many claims made.
From false allegations claiming that government officials were 'hiding' cases to claiming that the lockdown has been extended, the rumours have been many and frequent. A recent claim even postulates that the government is likely to declare an emergency in mid-April and Army officials as well as veterans, NCC and NSS members would be employed to assist the civil authorities.
On Monday the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, of the Indian Army took to Twitter to clarify that this was indeed incorrect.
"Fake and malicious messages are circulating on social media about likely declaration of emergency in mid April and employment of #IndianArmy, #Veterans, NCC and NSS to assist the civil administration. It is clarified that this is absolutely FAKE," the body wrote.
While India has been in a state of lockdown since last Wednesday, there have been several incidents were social distancing has not been maintained.
In Delhi for example, migrant workers who found themselves without work and shelter had taken it upon themselves to return home, and gathered in hundreds at the city's Anand Vihar Bus Station. Despite attempts by officials, social distancing norms did not seem to be in effect.
In other parts of the country the lockdown has been taken a step too far. The Goa government recently faced backlash after imposing a complete lockdown that had not allowed even food vendors to remain open. This was revoked on Sunday.
India has so far seen over 1,000 people test positive for the virus. 29 people who had earlier tested positive have passed away.
Globally, there had been 724,945 cases, at the time this article was pubished. Of these, over 34,000 have passed away.
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