In Visakhapatnam City, panic gripped the citizens following the death of a 21-year-old suspected COVID-19 patient. Rumors began to spread that 17 inmates of a children's welfare home in the city were affected by COVID-19. However, the medical staff at King George Hospital conducted an RTPCR test, which showed that both the deceased youth and the 17-year-old girl who was hospitalized with suspected COVID-19 symptoms were negative.

The children's welfare home, Love and Care Children Welfare Society, in the Marripalem area of Visakhapatnam houses 17 orphans, most of whom have various health conditions. The deceased youth had been bedridden since 2015 and was admitted to King George Hospital on Monday with a high fever. He passed away on Tuesday, leading the medical staff to conduct COVID-19 tests on all of the inmates. The 17-year-old girl tested positive and was admitted to an isolation ward. However, the RTPCR test conducted on Wednesday revealed that she was negative for COVID-19.

While the initial rumours about COVID-19 affecting the children's welfare home were false, this incident serves as a reminder that misinformation can create panic and fear, which can be harmful to individuals and communities. It is essential that we continue to take precautions and follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.