THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the District Information Officer said campaigns that create excessive fear in people should be avoided.

"News about the district collector's statement urging people not to step out of the house is misleading. The collector's direction was to avoid gatherings and travels for effective defense against the disease", the District Information Officer said on Facebook.

The district collector earlier said many people under observation are not complying with the guidelines. He also advised the public to avoid public transit systems if there are disease symptoms. He added that beaches, shopping malls, gymnasiums, beauty parlors will be closed down in the district while strict restrictions will be imposed on public functions, temple festivals, church feasts, marriages, and other mass gatherings.

Three have tested positive for COVID-19 and 249 persons have been kept under observation.