Public urged not share false information pertaining to COVID-19

The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre is urging the public not to share false information pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic on social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Twitter.

The Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, says the only sources of information to rely on and to share are the official sources with the Presidency taking the lead.

“The ongoing proliferation of fake news via voicenotes and other means is leading to distress amongst the public and making our work harder as we try to control the spread of the virus. Please verify the information you wish to share with your contacts before you pass it along. If it cannot be verified from an official source, it is in all likelihood fake.”

Bredell says concerns are high ahead of the weekend that holidaymakers and locals may ignore COVID-19 regulations.

“We must urge compliance. The rules are there for a reason. The facts are also quite clear: Covid infections are on the increase and our hospitals are filling up. This is not in dispute. If we want to have a pleasant and healthy festive season, we need to all be more responsible.”

Bredell also highlighted alcohol use as a major concern as we are in the festive season.

“Our emergency rooms and ICUs don’t have room for alcohol related trauma cases and our medical staff are under enormous pressure already. We want to ask that people drink responsibly and keep an eye on the greater events unfolding at present. If you are irresponsible, you are placing in danger the lives of countless numbers of people who may be infected or not be able to get treatment.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

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