A viral message claiming WHO has released a lockdown schedule is false clarifies WHO.
By Abeen Shayiq
The COVID-19 infodemic continues as another misleading viral message is being circulated on social media, especially on WhatsApp in India claiming that the WHO has issued a protocol for the lockdown procedure for controlling the virus.
The message states a 4-step lockdown procedure, mentioning the lockdown dates and time period for every step and also the relaxation or gap between each step. It outrightly highlights that the cue has been taken from the steps initiated by the Indian government, in the following order – March 22 was the Janta Curfew (civil curfew) for one day and then on March 24th, the Prime Minister announced a twenty-one-day lockdown.
In order of this lockdown schedule, the viral message said, “World Health Organisation protocol & procedure of lockdown periods for controlling the most dangerous virus”. “STEP 1 – 1 DAY, STEP 2- 21 DAYS, AFTER 5 DAYS, STEP 3- 28 DAYS, AFTER 5 DAYS,STEP 4 – 15 DAYS.”
The message highlights that “The same way, our Indian governments is following”
The message further proposes to include two more lockdown periods, the final one lasting fifteen days, that is from May 25 till June 10. “This last lockdown period will only be imposed if more cases are reported. In case,Covid19 patient ratio is zero, withdraw the LOCKDOWN” the message can be read.
These are absolutely random sets of dates. Neither the WHO has laid down any such procedure or protocol nor the Indian government has issued any orders yet as to what will be the further plan of action when the 21-day lockdown ends on April 14.
In order to clarify this misleading claim, the WHO on April 5 posted on their twitterhandle that the viral message that is being attributed to WHO is baseless and fake.
This message makes unsubstantiated claims to give a wrong impression. In the middle of a global crisis, sharing fake information can cause even more panic and confusion among the masses.
To stay aware of Whatsapp messages, read up our story 50 Fake ‘frequently forwarded’ COVID-19 WhatsApp messages here.
