SHILLONG, May 13: The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Pynursla Civil Sub-Division has cautioned the public against rumour-mongering and circulating false information on the matters relating to COVID-19.
A statement on Thursday informed that such action will entail imprisonment for up to one year and three years as per the provisions of Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and Section 505(1) of the Indian Penal Code, respectively.
An order on this was effectuated by the magistrate after it was revealed that rumours and misinformation were being disseminated on social media and other platforms on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine.
It was even claimed that in certain pockets of Pynursla, this rumour -mongering has misled people and severely affected the turnout of people in the vaccination drive.
Awareness programme
The Meghalaya Scout and Guide Fellowship in collaboration with the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides will organise a virtual awareness discussion programme on Saturday starting 2 pm.
The programme will deliberate over various subjects such as mental health during the pandemic, COVID vaccination, ill-being to well-being during the pandemic and building of immune system.
Notable panellists such as Dr Debanjan Banerjee, MD Physiatry (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Dr Beatrice Mukhim Warjri, MHO, Nongthymmai UPHC, Dr Jasmine Lyngdoh, Director — Routes, Shillong and Claudia Jessica Bamon, Proprietor — Claudia’s Fitness Hub, Shillong, will be involved during the programme.
The public has been requested to join the virtual awareness programme which will be broadcast live on the Facebook page of Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides.
