Local fake news inflames coronavirus anxiety

Leading the charge: Tshipayagae says fake news derails the fight PIC:THALEFANG CHARLES
Leading the charge: Tshipayagae says fake news derails the fight PIC:THALEFANG CHARLES

As the coronavirus draws closer to local shores through the confirmation of cases in South Africa, the local rumour mill and fake news industry has gone into overdrive.

Powered by social media, the wave of fake news about rumoured coronavirus cases, patients and even fake cures, is only exacerbating  anxiety amongst Batswana and angering the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which this week had to step in.

Since South Africa announced its first coronavirus case last week, local fake news producers and content distributors have claimed the existence of cases in areas such as Lobatse, Gantsi, Tsabong and others.

Editor's Comment
Routine child vaccination imperative

The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health's data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern.It underscores the urgent need to address the...

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