Another Total Lockdown from September 25? Centre issues clarification

Itanagar: The Centre on Monday dismissed reports which claimed that another lockdown will be imposed in the country from September 25 due to the surging coronavirus cases. The viral report was debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) which took to Twitter to confirm the same. Although the PIB had dismissed the report as "fake" on September 12, the message is still being circulated online.

It needs mention here that the circular, which quoted the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), showed the Indian government to announce another lockdown beginning from September 25. The screenshot of this "fake" circular was widely shared on social media, leading to widespread concerns among the general public.

"In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 and decrease the mortality rate in the country, the National Disaster Management Authority, along with the Planning Commission, hereby urges the Government of India and directs the Prime Minister Office, Ministry of Home Affairs to re-impose a strict nationwide lockdown of 46 days starting from midnight 25th September 2020. Maintaining the supply chain of Essential Commodities in the country, therefore hereby NDMA is issuing a prior notice to the Ministry to plan accordingly," read the fake notification that was dated September 10.

The Press Information Bureau has dismissed the "government" order in circulation as "fake" and clarified that the NDMA has not issued an order calling for yet another lockdown.

"Claim: An order purportedly issued by the National Disaster Management Authority claims that it has directed the government to re-impose a nationwide lockdown from September 25. PIB Fact Check: This order is fake. NMDA has not issued any such order to re-impose lockdown," the PIB tweeted, making the clarification.

It is pertinent to mention that the rumours of another lockdown come amidst a surge in coronavirus cases in the country. India is currently the second worst-hit country in the world and has recorded over 48 lakh infections.

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