Himachal Pradesh: Rumors create panic, authorities fight on social media

DHARAMSHALA: Kangra district has maximum, 425, persons under surveillance out of nearly 823 in Himachal. Police and district administration here are fighting with coronavirus in two ways. One way with the rumors to avoid panic and other for the execution of the orders issued for prevention.
On Friday, a rumor spread that a person from Kerala deployed in army cantonment has been tested positive for coronavirus.The message went viral within hours on social media. Finally, police headquarters of this district was forced to come up with a clarification on its official handle stating it as fake news.
Another rumor was spread in temple town Kangra which has largest vegetable market in the district that this market will be closed till further orders. This rumor also went viral on social media. Following this, Jatin Sharma (IAS) Sub Divisional Magistrate of Kangra came on his official handle to clear the air.
Medical authorities have put few persons in isolation who have returned from Singapore, the rumor spread that they were found positive for coronavirus, later medical authorities cleared the air.
Deputy commissioner at Kangra, Rakesh Kumar Prajapati, today established an emergency response center at district headquarters to fight out such panic situations. People can contact on 01892224970 and 01892224976 numbers to exchange information.