NCOC forms body to stop spread of COVID-19 misinformation

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has formed a committee led by Interior Minister Ijaz Ahmed Shah to prevent the spread of disinformation and fake news about COVID-19 pandemic on social media.

The decision was taken in a meeting of the NCOC chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar. The meeting reviewed comprehensive death data analysis, update on committee countering COVID-19 related disinformation.

The committee will prepare legal framework to prevent and counter disinformation and suggest action against those involved in spreading false information about the pandemic.

Speaking on the occasion, Asad Umar said that NCOC would also visit all provincial headquarters besides holding meetings there in order to further enhance coordination among provinces.

He said they would change the current crisis into an opportunity to bring further improvement in the health sector of the country.

The NCOC was briefed that the number of coronavirus cases have started declining in the federal capital since the end of the previous month.

According to the NCOC update, no death was reported in the federal capital on Wednesday with sharp decline in new cases.

Director-General Health Services Municipal Corporation Islamabad Dr Hassan Urooj said people need to follow the standard operating procedures and take preventive measures during Eid-ul-Azha.

A spokesperson of the Ministry of National Health Services said the drop in coronavirus cases is a positive development, which is the result of efficient track and tracing by health authorities.