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This is just one of the many rumors that have spread about the epidemic.

Li Ya, a lawyer from the Zhongwen Law Firm in Beijing, said, "Some fake messages have spread like wildfire online, not only because the contents about the disease and its control closely relate to everyone's health and safety, but also because some authorities were late in disclosing the outbreak, or failed to do so at all.

"Such uncertainties can make people anxious and even cause them to panic, which is not good for effective control of the epidemic."

Li called for the country to set up a mechanism comprising government agencies, professional institutions and internet service providers to report any emergencies as soon as possible, especially when rumors have circulated.

"Information disclosure is the best disinfectant for eliminating rumors," he said.

For example, he said government departments and professional institutions must announce and promptly publish any official data, including virus-related studies and measures to prevent the outbreak spreading. Online service providers should also do more to help.

Meanwhile, internet users need to improve their knowledge and learn to carry out searches on authorized websites before posting or forwarding any information, he added.

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