Maldives Broadcasting Commission on Tuesday warned media outlets over reporting developments on the spread of the H1N1 virus in a manner that will incite fear and paranoia among the public.
The media regulatory body released a statement which accused some medias of fear mongering and said that it goes against the defamation law and contradicts the press freedom enshrined in the constitution.
Further, the commission condemned the media outlets that have been aggressive in their reporting of the flu and warned to be responsible when bringing updates.
The commission alleged that some medias are also broadcasting reports that encourage terrorism and affect the bilateral relations that Maldives maintains with other nations.
Therefore, the commission advised all media outlets to report the news within the confines of the constitution in a responsible manner and warned of action against the medias that go against the media regulations.
Authorities have been battling to keep the outbreak of H1N1 in check with over 400 people tested as of Sunday while 147 had tested positive for the virus.
The flu had claimed the lives of two locals already, one 26 year old man in early March, a 51 year old woman last week while a Bangladesh expatriate died on Monday.
Government along with private health care providers have set up multiple flu clinic throughout the capital and suburbs to provide round the clock service.
Public schools, universities and private colleges have suspended classes while the authorities have urged people in the Atolls against travelling to the capital.
The government along with a few private offices have granted indefinite leave for pregnant staff to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
