Health Ministry: Viral claim of full hospitals, death toll is fake

The Health Ministry has confirmed that a voice recording claiming that hospital beds were full and cases of ‘brought in dead’ (BID) were increasing is an old recording previously circulated in 2021.

The ministry also stated on Facebook last night that the viral recording was being used to create public anxiety and urged the public not to spread fake news.

“The public is urged not to spread this false news that could cause panic… and to always be vigilant against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic that persists around us.

“Ensure that you take public health precautionary measures by always observing the 3W and avoid the 3S,” the ministry said.

The 3W approach involves regularly washing hands with soap and water (wash), wearing a face mask in public places or if symptomatic (wear), and heeding warnings (warn) from the Health Ministry.

Avoiding the 3S, or the 3C in English, entails avoiding crowded places, confined spaces, and close conversations.

In addition to claiming that hospital beds were full and insufficient, and that the number of BID cases was rising, the voice note also alleged a new virus outbreak from Africa was spreading, leading to sudden deaths in a short period.

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