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N’ Eliya journalists slam inaccurate story of journalist stricken with COVID-19
The Nuwara Eliya District Journalists’ Association has raised concerns over a story that was circulating in the media stating that a provincial journalist who covered the funeral of the late Minister Arumugam Thondaman had exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.
The association’s President Douglas Nanayakkara raised these concerns during a discussion on Friday with the Nuwara Eliya director of health services, Dr Sena Thalagala.
They pointed out that unnecessary panic had been created unnecessary panic and emphasised the importance of verifying information from relevant authorities.
Mr Nanayakkara said the conduct of a Public Health Inspector (PHI) who had made claims that the provincial journalist was exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms was questionable and asked tDr. Thalagala to conduct an inquiry.
He also pointed out that the journalist had been greatly inconvenienced after the PHI came to his house and pasted a sticker saying those inside were under self-quarantine, only to return a few days later and remove it.
Dr Thalagala said he would inform Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe about the incident and request him to brief media institutions to verify information before making it public.