Coronavirus outbreak: Did Sachin Tendulkar ask for meat shops to be shut? Here is the truth
A post has claimed that Sachin Tendulkar said non-vegetarian food spreads coronavirus (COVID-19). Is there truth in this? Here is what the real story is
FollowBengaluru: In the midst of India’s fight against coronavirus (COVID-19), there is no dearth of fake news with regard to the spread of virus in the country and across the globe. The latest news doing the rounds on social media is a quote attributed to batting legend and former India captain Sachin Tendulkar.
According to a post on social media, Tendulkar seems to have called for the closure of meat shops across India as non-vegetarian food could spread novel coronavirus. However, this is a fake post.
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The post is in Hindi with the picture of Tendulkar. If translated, it read as this, “Coronavirus is an epidemic that has spread because of consumption of non-vegetarian food. Why then only school, colleges and malls are shut? All shops selling meat should be closed.”
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The above post was shared on Facebook. This is fake
If one checks the Master Blaster’s Twitter account, there is no such post. In fact, he has promoted the ways to keep our hands clean. He had written in Hindi with a video where Tendulkar is seen washing his hands with soap.
The post (translated), read, “We are all concerned about the corona virus (COVID-19). One simple thing we can do to keep this virus from spreading is to keep our hands clean. It is mandatory to wash hands with soap for 20 seconds. Always wash your hands thoroughly. #SafeHandsChallenge @UNICEF @WHO (sic)”.
In another tweet, he wrote, "As citizens, we have to act responsibly. We could follow simple steps to keep the Corona Virus at bay. It is my request to everyone to follow basic guidelines to try our best to ensure we all stay safe. #IndiaFightsCorona @MoHFW_INDIA".
Tendulkar, who retired in 2013 after playing in a world record 200 Tests and 463 ODIs, has 31 million-plus followers on Twitter. Recently, he played in the Road Safety World Series Twenty20 tournament to create awareness about road safety. However, the event was cancelled due to the spread of coronavirus.
Also, all domestic cricket matches have been cancelled by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) has been deferred till April 15.
