In case you came across a press release claiming that the government has declared restricted movement, beware – the claim is false. The fake news was debunked by government of India’s press information bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Twitter handle.
“Claim: A Press Release regarding movement restriction is widely getting circulated on #WhatsApp claiming to be of Government of India. No such Press Release has been issued by @PMOIndia,” the agency tweeted. Along with that, they also shared the image of the fake press release.
On the image, it says that the document is issued by “National Security Council, Prime Minister’s Office” on March 18, 2020. The press release further details six points and some of the points are:
#1
Government has declared “restricted movement order” from March 18- 31.
#2
The Security Council had a “coordinated meeting” with other government agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the order.
#3
The order came into effect from March 18 midnight and everyone is required to “obey all regulations stipulated by the authorities.”
Take a look at the tweet:
{{/usCountry}}Take a look at the tweet:
{{/usCountry}}The image also have the words “Not from India” boldly written on it. Also, in the sixth point a phone number - “03-8888 2010” - for National Operations Administration Center is mentioned. The number is not of India but Malaysia.
Malaysia recently issued a restricted order movement to deal with coronavirus crisis. During his control order speech, the Malaysian Prime Minister mentioned the same number. It’s has also been mentioned in a tweet by the country’s trade ministry.
Earlier in February, another fake news regarding coronavirus outbreak was debunked by PIB. Many were claiming that COVID-19 could be cured with just one bowl of freshly boiled garlic water.