Doctors have appealed against spreading of rumours regarding COVID-19 pandemic, as misinformation aimed at creating distrust regarding doctors put people in harm's way.
The recent wave of misinformation and rumours on COVID-19 has forced doctors to issue an advisory at the regular press conference by the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC).
Speaking at the press conference held to announce the recovery of first two COVID-19 patients in Maldives, Dr. Ali Latheef said doctors do not offer the treatment without diagnosing the patients. He further said COVID-19 cases are specially handled and treated, adding information about the cases and updates on treatment are being shared at the press conference daily.
Dr. Latheef called on the media and the public to refrain from creating hatred towards medical professionals and not to create chaos by fabricating lies. He called on the people to unite and follow the instructions from authorities in efforts to contain COVID-19 in Maldives.
The first two patients have reached a full recovery from the virus in Maldives, credit due to doctors and health professionals who worked round the clock to attend to the patients. The doctors revealed the two patients were tested twice and the results came double negative as per the standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The doctors’ team is working to discharge the two patients in the coming week.
At the press conference, the doctors repeatedly appealed everyone to refrain from spreading false information that creates distrust and hatred towards doctors.