THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Strict action will be taken in the incident of distributing fake certificate on COVID-19 negative, said Health Minister K K Shailaja. Such actions are highly reprehensible in the context of the transmission of the virus. They are trying to spread the disease to more people by issuing fake certificates without conducting the test. This is a great harm to the society. This is also an offense under the Infectious Diseases Prevention Act. The minister said the police have been asked to take stern action against those behind this.

The complaint was levelled that fake COVID-negative certificates were issued after taking money in Pozhiyoor coastal area. The certificates were issued with the fake seal of medical officer in the name of PHC Pozhiyoor and PHC. The medical officer of Pozhiyoor Primary Health Centre has given a complaint against this.