New York City: "Lockdown is an Absurd Rumor"... Combating COVID-19 Fake News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] New York City has stepped in to dispel fake news claiming that the city will be locked down as a measure to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), calling it "baseless rumors."

On the 12th (local time), New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio stated at a press conference discussing the declaration of a public health emergency that such fake news is incorrect and unfounded, according to reports by AP News and others.

Earlier, among citizens, a text message circulated claiming to be information from a "friend working in the New York Police Department (NYPD) Emergency Response Team," stating that the New York subway, 'Metro-North,' would be shut down, subway operations would be restricted, and only ambulances would be allowed on the roads.

The message also advised stocking up on food, drinking water, and cash, warning that there might be restrictions on using grocery stores or ATMs.

Mayor de Blasio said, "It is presumed to have leaked from various response scenarios," adding, "The plans currently being implemented are not at all like that."

He further explained, "If the city were to be locked down as the fake news claims, even medical workers would not be able to move, so it is an absurd rumor."

Through Twitter, Mayor de Blasio appealed, "There is not a shred of truth to the rumor that Manhattan will be quarantined," and urged, "Whoever is spreading this false information, please stop immediately."

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also addressed this in a local radio interview, saying, "These are all ridiculous rumors," and added, "While I understand the heightened anxiety, the subway will not be shut down, and the roads and New York City will not be locked down."

The NYPD also drew a line through the rumors via Twitter, stating, "There is a lot of misinformation on social media," and "There are no plans for the NYPD to close roads or subways." The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) also announced that there are no plans to suspend rail operations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.