Fraudulent ‘Covid information’ leaflets slammed
FRAUDULENT leaflets — containing UK Government branding — which provide misleading information about Covid-19 have been described as “distressing” by residents who received them in south Belfast.
The two leaflets, which were delivered directly to Lisburn Road residents, are topped with ‘HM Government’ and the logo of the National Health Service (NHS).
Picked up by a Neighbourhood Watch group in the area, one of the leaflets claims that Covid-19 does not exist and describes the current health regulations as a “freedom grab”.
It is not yet known how many residents in the area have received such leaflets.
The neighbourhood group who picked up the leaflets advised that many of the older residents in the area have been left worried and confused after receiving them, with some believing the information to be official Government and NHS advice.
James Fee, the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, was the person alerted to the correspondence.
“I communicate with many older people — they are the backbone of any Neighbourhood Watch and the most at risk from this virus,” he said.
“Many have been through a tough time, and news of the new vaccine has brought hope in the run up to Christmas.
“Misleading leaflets distributed on the Lisburn Road with NHS and Government headings, have distressed some residents.
“This is especially true for those with underlying health issues and who believed this information was sourced from the NHS and the Government.”
She added: “I believe whoever has distributed these leaflets may return to cover more houses and action must be taken to protect the vulnerable from such misinformation.”
In a statement, the Department of Health urged anyone who received such a leaflet to “put it straight into the bin where it belongs” and described the claims made as “ridiculous and despicable”.
“These leaflets contain dangerous lies. They are encouraging people to ignore vital public health advice that’s been developed by medical and scientific experts in order to reduce Covid-19 infection levels and save lives,” they added.