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In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the Mizoram government has banned mass gathering and social events across the state, an official said on Friday.

The official said that government departments, NGOs, educational institutions, churches and other organisations were instructed to avoid mass gathering and a big event to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in the state.

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He said that the steps were being taken as a preventive measure.

According to the official, Chief Minister Zoramthanga also sent an appeal to churches to avoid conference and pilgrimage.

He said that the government also discouraged travelling to other states and abroad as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

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However, malls, schools and colleges would remain open, he added.

Meanwhile, Mizoram University has postponed its convocation, which was scheduled to be held on March 17 due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The university has also asked all its affiliated colleges to avoid mass gathering events on their campuses.

The Central Committee of Young Mizo Association (YMA) also postponed important events of its branches and units which were due later this month following an appeal by the government to avoid public gathering.

The state excise and narcotics department also postponed a written examination to recruit constables, which was scheduled for March 28.

At least three people were arrested on Friday in connection with the fake news about coronavirus that has been widely circulated on messaging apps- WhatsApp on Monday, police said.

Earlier, police have arrested 11 people for spreading the same fake news. They were later released on bail.

Police also said that one person has also been arrested on Thursday for spreading separate fake news about coronavirus.

All the 15 accused were booked under section 505 (1) (b) of the IPC, they said.