Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Hameed has stated that action will be taken against those who spread rumours that create fright and anxiety among the public.
Commissioner Hameed in a tweet published on Monday said legal action will be taken against those who spread false information regarding COVID-19, creating fear, and panic among the public. He warned that legal actions will be taken against those who harass or spread telltales regarding infected people.
“The Police Service will take criminal action against individuals who spread false information on #COVID19 in #Maldives that serves no legitimate purpose but create fear and panic among the public. I urge fellow citizens and all to refrain from such expressions and actions”, said Commissioner Hameed.
As of now, 69 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives. Following the detection of the first local transmission case last Wednesday, the numbers keep rising every day. As a result, the government have placed the capital Male’ region on lockdown for 14 days.
In this frightening situation, some have been spreading rumours on social media about those who have tested positive and those who are being isolated for having direct contact with the infected people. Authorities have been expressing their concern and urging those people not to spread such false information that defames people.
