GUWAHATI, March 24 - The All Assam Media Workers Union (AAMWU) today made it clear that newspapers are only the carriers of information related to curbing the spread of coronavirus, not the carriers of the virus itself, and that neither WHO nor the government has issued any report or advisory to this effect.
�From the last few days, it has been seen that misusing social and electronic media, a certain section is spreading exaggerated and false news that newspapers may carry coronavirus. The virus can be spread through various forms. Most importantly, neither the World Health Organisation nor the government has issued any report or advisory to restrict publication and distribution of newspapers,� said Union president Sudipta Sarkar and general secretary Dipak Bhuyan a statement.
�All health-related precautions have also been taken throughout the entire journey of the newspapers � right from the printing stage to delivery of newspapers in the readers� doorsteps � to prevent spread of coronavirus. We earnestly appeal to all concerned not to spread rumours regarding the disease,� the statement said.
Meanwhile, Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu today held a meeting with hawkers in connection with distribution of newspapers in various parts of the city.
The�Assam Tribune Employees��Union�(ATEU) today condemned the fake news being circulated in social media and electronic media. The Union appealed to the readers not to fall for these rumours regarding coronavirus and also demanded stringent action from the government against those who are misleading the public.
�It is a time to fight unitedly against the deadly virus, but it has been seen that some people are engaged in spreading fake news. Newspapers play a vital role in disseminating authentic information to the readers and sensitise the public,� ATEU president Shiva Prasad Deka and general secretary Jiten Kalita said in a statement.
