Srinagar, Mar 28: A fortnight ago, when the valley was agog with rumours on COVID-19, a group of eight youth embarked on a mission to dispel the false information and guide the masses on the pandemic.
With people staying indoors, the youth decided to create a Facebook group to disseminate information and share tips about preventive measures. Soon “Coronavirus Watch J&K” started trending with more than ten thousand members including research scholars, medicos, academicians, journalists, entrepreneurs, engineers.
“We are determined to help people with all our possible strengths, and resources. We hope this group will spread the right information across the valley,” the co-founder of the group told The Kashmir Monitor.
From WHO Health alerts to the latest research, the group shares every relevant information that helps people to ward off fake news and rumors.
“Latest news updates and findings on the pandemic and answers to some of the frequently asked questions can be found in the group,” he said.
What makes the group different is that it does not limit the information about the pandemic only.
Sample this: From a heartwarming post sharing the experience of self-reporting to a soothing religious perspective on the pandemic to a Kashmiri song on COVID-19 to a bone-tickling pun on the virus, the admin is trying to make the group lively and interactive.
At the same time, the rules are strict and anyone posting unrelated queries and controversial posts would be removed. “We approve authentic health information which is thoroughly checked by our admins and avoid any irrelevant post,” the co-founder said.
The co-founders are planning to collaborate with the Non-Government Organizations in the coming days. “The people are in dire need of sanitary products like masks and hand sanitizers. We will ensure that we provide people with protective equipment in the future. Also, we are planning to distribute food packets,” he said.
