Cape Town — The Department of Health has dismissed the fake reports currently circulating on social media over a new Covid-19 Omicron variant.
The fake report advised people to wear masks over the alleged “deadly and not easy to detect variant” confirming that the message was misleading after it first surfaced without any traceable source, the department statement said.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and ignore this malicious social media content whose intent is to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as the country is entering influenza season. The fact of the matter is COVID-19 remains circulating at relatively low levels around the country just like in other parts of the world.” department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said.
Mohale said there was no need for the public to panic because so many people have developed a form of herd immunity against both the vaccine and the infections, and that the current strain is less severe and less transmissable than previous strains.
“Taking protective measures in our daily lives, including non-pharmaceutical interventions including hand hygiene, will help to prevent the spread of other respiratory infections including influenza. The department will keep the public abreast as and when there is a surge in cases of illness caused by any virus of concern or outbreak of any disease,” Mohale said.
BREAKING NEWS 🇿🇦
HEALTH DEPARTMENT DISMISSES REPORTS OF NEW COVUD-19 VARIANT
The National Department of Health has dismissed reports about a new COVID-19 Omi-cron XBB variant.
The fake news is circulating on social media platforms advising people to wear face masks because of…— . (@RainbowFMnews) April 30, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
