Viral ICMR guidelines that say 'postpone travel abroad for 2 years' fake: Govt

New Delhi: A viral post is doing rounds on social media platforms claiming that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a set of guidelines to be followed as precautionary measures for COVID-19. The fake message that has been attributed to the ICMR urges people to postpone their foreign trips for the next two years, not to eat outside food for 1 year, be very careful in the coming week, and prefer vegetarian food, among several other pointers.

The fake message is being widely circulated on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp. The viral message also urges people not to visit crowded places for a year. Apart from the other measures, the post carries an important message of keeping the face masks on and maintain social distancing, which already falls into the SOPs issued by the government.

As soon as the misleading information went viral, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) conducted a fact-check of the information and rubbished the claims. Issuing a clarification, the fact-check stated that the ICMR has NOT issued these guidelines, adding a few points that to prevent the spread of COVID-19, wear a mask, sanitise hands and practice social distancing. 

In India, the fresh COVID-19 cases continue to show an upward trend over the past one week. India reported 14,199 new cases in the last 24 hours on Monday with the overall tally mounting to 1,10,05,850, health officials said. The death toll in the country mounted to 1,56,385 with 83 more deaths.

Claim

A fake message attributed to ICMR stipulates guidelines to be followed as precautionary measures for COVID-19.

Conclusion

A fact check by PIB states that the ICMR has NOT issued these guidelines.