Sikkim FIR on fake virus

RAJEEV RAVIDAS AND BINITA PAUL, TT, 08 Feb 2020N, Gangtok /Siliguri: The Sikkim health department has filed an FIR against unidentified persons for circulating voice messages on social media on rumoured detection of coronavirus in the state.

Pemba Bhutia, the director general-cum-secretary of the health department, said the complaint had been lodged with the cyber cell of the Sadar police station here and the person who started the rumour, once identified, would be punished according to provisions of the law.

“ There were two voice messages going around social media since Thursday. One said a case of coronavirus had been detected at STNM (Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital in Gangtok), and the other said a defence personnel at the (Sikkim's) border in China has acquired the virus,”said Bhutia.

The official appealed to the people not to believe in rumours and fake news since his department had been regularly updating the public through the  media on every development concerning the virus. "In India, only three cases of coronavirus have been reported and all are in Kerala. Our endeavour is to ensure the virus does not reach our shores," he added.

The health department with the help of the police and other departments have been screening passengers at all entry points to the state to ensure the virus does not enter Sikkim. "We have carried out 1,04,048 screenings so far. We are vigilant and request the public not to lend credence to rumours," urged Bhutia.

A person with symptoms of coronavirus infection, like fever, cough, headache and diarrhoea, was admitted to the isolation ward at the North Bengal Medical College & Hospital in Siliguri on Friday.

Sources have said the patient is from North Dinajpur district and stays in Singapore for higher studies.

"He had returned home about 10 days back and had such symptoms. That is why we brought him to the NBMCH," said one of his relatives.