Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru(DV)

Mangaluru, Mar 14: A fake circular has been going viral on social media stating that all government and private aided colleges would be closed for the next 15 days amid rising number of coronavirus cases.

Speaking to daijiworld, deputy commissioner Dr Rajendra K V confirmed that the circular was fake, and urged the public not to pay heed to it.

"As of now, we have not received any such orders or circulars from the government," the DC said.

The fake circular mentions that as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of Covid-19, the government has announced holidays for 15 days.

It may be recalled that exactly one year ago when the coronavirus pandemic first struck the state, the government had issued a circular ordering closure of schools and colleges. The same circular has been allegedly altered with change of dates and made viral on social media.

The information and education departments also confirmed that the circular was fake. "All principals are hereby informed that this is a fake letter and complaint will be lodged on such people. All official communication will be done through the DCE website," a statement from the district education department read.

"It is clearly evident from the altered dates in the letter. Dates of old circular has been changed and posted," it said.

"Holidays have not been announced for colleges. It is a fake message," stated the information department.