Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong.

Media houses have once again been reminded to stop creating fear and panic and to respect the privacy of those who have been affected by COVID-19.

This comes as the Fiji Times newspaper today published a photo of the home where the latest patient lives in Cunningham Stage One, Suva.

The daily also went ahead and published a story about the woman testing positive way before a formal announcement was made and all parties concerned advised.

The newspaper later changed its storyline on its website.

Health Permanent Secretary, Doctor James Fong, says these kinds of irresponsible reporting affects the containment processes.

He says things as such drives people to bad behaviour and creates unwanted panic in the community.