Fake news undermining war on virus

AS THE government works around the clock to intensify efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus, individuals intent on spreading fake news to undermine these measures are emerging every day.

The latest incident of fake news that seeks to undermine government’s efforts to screen and test for possible coronavirus cases in densely populated areas like uMlazi and KwaMashu should be taken seriously.

Police have confirmed that they are investigating the circulation of a video where a man is claiming that the testing kits used by healthcare workers are contaminated with the virus.

This video has gone viral on social media.

In Pretoria, a 23-year-old man was arrested for allegedly violating the regulations of the Disaster Management Act by mocking the coronavirus efforts.

He was captured on video swearing and mocking efforts to curb the Covid19 virus and bragging that he was not complying with the regulations.

Also on various media platforms, members of the public have been claiming that 5G technology is behind the coronavirus pandemic.

This is very unfortunate as the government has been very open and transparent in communicating information about this deadly virus.

We also fail to comprehend what these individuals would gain from this disinformation campaign.

We fear that because of the power of social media, fake news will dissuade people from complying with the measures aimed at flattening the curve such as staying at home, social distancing, screening and testing for the virus.

We are happy that police have been arresting the culprits for spreading fake news.

Now we want to see the courts dedicated to prosecuting Covid-19 violations; prosecuting the suspects and making sure that justice is served.

It should be remembered that the government’s implementation of these measures is aimed at protecting people and making sure that no more lives are lost.