Cops warn COVID liars

POLICE have issued a formal warning to two Fernvale residents who allegedly took to social media to cause panic in the community.

A 28-year-old woman and 31-year-old man who “don’t believe” in coronavirus made posts on Facebook groups suggesting they may have contracted the virus, but would not be isolating.

Lowood police acting officer in charge Senior Sergeant James Bromley said police had received “heaps” of calls reporting the pair.

“(The pair) stated they had been to COVID-19 hotspots relating to the two women from Logan who tested positive after returning from Victoria,” Sergeant Bromley said.

“They were commenting that they were starting to feel unwell but were refusing to self-isolate.”

He said the pair claimed they didn’t believe coronavirus existed, which caused public outcry online.

“Obviously that created a bit of concern in the community,” he said.

Police reported their names to Queensland Health, but tracing confirmed the pair had not been at any of the hotspots during high-risk times.

“They weren’t listed on the close contact list and then it was determined they weren’t even at those restaurants at those times – it was a different time frame,” Sergeant Bromley said.

Police visited the pair and warned them of the risks involved in misusing telecommunications and posting on social media.

“It was just a warning and a bit of education,” Sergeant Bromley said.

“They didn’t expect the backlash to happen – they thought it was a little bit of banter.”

Neither party has been required to self-isolate and they were not charged with any offences.