Media Release on COVID-19
· Do not panic, focus on government notices
· Media centre established for verified news alerts
The government is on full alert as two confirmed cases of Coronavirus was discovered.
However, it has been observed that some parties are capitalizing on this issue and spreading false news (rumours) through social media, WhatsApp, Viber etc. Therefore, the government urged the general public to refrain from such acts at a time of national crisis and act in a sensible manner. In the event anyone continues to create panic and spread false rumours, the government will not hesitate to initiate legal action against such persons.
Therefore, the government urged the general public to only accept verified credible news. The Health Department, Health Ministry, Health Promotion Bureau and the Government
Information Department will update the public through credible media releases.
The government also notified the media establishments to only public verified news issued by the above mentions institutions. The government also urged them not to be fooled by these fake news reports claiming there are Coronavirus patients in various locations. In the event there are further cases detected, the above institutions would take measures to notify the public through the media.
The above mentioned institutions have also jointly established a COVID-19 Media Centre to issue verified and updated information regarding the Coronavirus and in the event the public needs any clarification or information regarding the Coronavirus, they could contact the centre on the following numbers.
1. 0710107107
2. 0113071073
Further, the following web sites would constantly update on the developments regarding the Coronavirus incidents.
L. Health promotion bureau (Face book page)
2. Department of Government information (YouTube, Face book page)
3.www.News.lk (web site, Face book page )
This centre would also conduct daily media briefings to keep the media updated regarding the latest developments on the Coronavirus.
Therefore, the government urged the general public not to panic unnecessarily and carry on with their daily routines as usual.