ROME, ITALY

EML urges everyone to deal in fact and not fake news over Covid 19

These are indeed unprecedented times and the European Muslim League is urging everyone to remain calm and responsible in the face of the biggest health challenge which may come to define the 21st century.

It is with frustration and sadness that EML notes harmful propaganda, fake news and false hopes is also growing alongside the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

It is difficult to know the origins of this misleading propaganda but those of us of faith and no faith are being equally challenged and tested. No doubt, human nature being what it is, we will all be facing this test in different ways, but it is vitally important we are able to disseminate facts from fiction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the majority of governments are working closely to make sure the most reliable information and guidance is released.

We all have a key role to play in minimising the likelihood of transmission and impact on communities and while some measures may seem drastic, only bold and effective action can reduce the risks to us all whoever we are, however we pray or don't.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging a whole-of-society approach to respond to COVID-19 and we all need to play our part and act like responsible citizens. This is going to be very much a case of people-before-politics  as governments come together in a coordinated effort to combat this pandemic.

While heads of states are coming together we, as individuals, must act from the grassroots accordingly. Facts and details can be accessed from local government and health websites and these are the places where EML recommends individuals go for essential and reliable information.

False hopes and propaganda will always flourish in a climate of fear. We saw this when HIV/AIDS emerged in the 1980s with rumours spreading that anyone could be contaminated simply by sharing toilets, swimming pools and even touching door handles used by sufferers.

Much of the fear back then was whipped up by the arrival of 24 hour news channels. Today we have the social media networks, fake news and smart phones which can see false information go viral within seconds.

It is the duty of each and every one of us to act in a responsible manner and deal only in the facts as they reach us from official, reliable sources.

Covid19 is not a common cold, nor is it a device to crash stock markets or cull the elderly. It is a deadly virus, a killer in our midst - but so is ignorance and we must do our utmost to guard against both.