No, WHO didn’t issue protocol on lockdown in phases. Don’t believe the fake WhatsApp forward

The fake message claims that WHO has issued protocol on lockdown in phases to fight against the deadly coronavirus

Updated on: Apr 6, 2020, 15:45:47 IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By Trisha Sengupta

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India is presently under lockdown for 21 days and people are anxious about what the government’s next decision will be once this period ends. Amid this, a viral message attributed to the World Health Organisation (WHO) is being widely circulated, especially on WhatsApp. It claims that WHO has issued a protocol on lockdown in phases to fight against the deadly coronavirus. The misleading claim, however, is fake. Don’t believe it.

The false claim is being circulated online. (Screengrab)

The false message claims that the lockdown will be extend till June to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. It even chalks out a timeline of the proposed extended lockdown along with relaxation periods in between.

Here’s the message which is being shared by many, especially on WhatsApp.

The false claim is being shared on WhatsApp,

WHO took to Twitter to rubbish the claim. “Messages being circulated on social media as WHO protocol for lockdown are baseless and FAKE. WHO does NOT have any protocols for lockdowns,” they tweeted.

PIB’s Fact Check handle also tweeted that the claim is fake and mentioned the post by WHO.

So, if you come across any message about WHO’s protocol for lockdown in phases, don’t believe it or forward it. It’s fake.

Also Read | Press Information Bureau sets up coronavirus fact check unit

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trisha Sengupta
Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More

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