Leander Paes urges India not to panic and avoid fake news in fight against coronavirus

Bengaluru, March 19: India's Legendary tennis star Leander Paes on Thursday (March 19) urged the countrymen to follow WHO guidelines to stay safe and not panic by falling in the trap of fake news during the battle to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The deadly Covid-19 outbreak has killed 8,809 people and infected 21,8631 across 157 countries, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. In India, the number cases have risen to 169 across cities.

"We currently face a big battle against an opponent that is spreading its reach across the globe. At times like this, it's most important that we each play our part in the community and ensure we contribute to a healthy society," Paes tweeted.

Paes, who hopes to compete in his eighth Olympics this year in Tokyo, told the Indians to follow health advisories in a series of tweets.

It is important that we follow guidelines set by @WHO and the @MoHFW_INDIA, not panic, and not fall into the trap of, or spread fake news. It is also important that we help educate the people around us, like our house help, who might not have access to information as easily.

— Leander Paes (@Leander) March 18, 2020

"It is important that we follow guidelines set by @WHO and the @MoHFW_INDIA, not panic, and not fall into the trap of, or spread fake news. It is also important that we help educate the people around us, like our house help, who might not have access to information as easily," he wrote in another tweet.

"Currently, one of the best things to do is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, so that we prevent the spread of COVID-19. And don't forget to turn off the taps while washing so you save water as well," mentioned another tweet by him.

"Let's be responsible citizens, and beat this together," he said.

Wishing all of you and your loved ones the best of health. Let's be responsible citizens, and beat this together 👊🏾

Lots of love, Leander ❤

— Leander Paes (@Leander) March 18, 2020

A number of athletes such as the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, have raised awareness on the COVID-19 pandemic that has wrecked sporting calenders across the globe.