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Zimbabwe dismisses false COVID-19 claims
2 hrs ago |
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The Ministry of Health and Child Care has dismissed as false social media reports claiming that Zimbabwe is experiencing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
The ministry said claims alleging COVID-19 deaths at Mpilo Central Hospital and new infections at Salem Gama Central Hospital were untrue and did not originate from official government communication.
Ministry spokesperson Donald Mujiri urged members of the public to disregard the circulating message, saying current surveillance data did not indicate the presence of coronavirus in the samples tested.
"Current surveillance data indicate increased influenza activity, with approximately 12 000 cases reported per week. Laboratory testing has predominantly detected influenza A and B, with no coronavirus detected in the samples tested," Mujiri said.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern over an increase in respiratory illnesses across the country, with health authorities recording approximately 12 000 influenza cases every week.
Mujiri also clarified that the ministry does not issue official public health alerts through WhatsApp groups or channels.
He urged Zimbabweans to obtain health information from recognised government communication platforms and credible mainstream media outlets rather than relying on messages circulated through social media and private messaging groups.
The ministry warned that the circulation of unverified health information could have serious consequences, including creating unnecessary fear, undermining public confidence and disrupting public health interventions.
It further cautioned that individuals who deliberately create or disseminate false health information could face legal consequences.
The ministry's statement is intended to reassure the public that, based on current surveillance and laboratory testing, there is no evidence of a COVID-19 resurgence associated with the claims circulating online.
Authorities nevertheless continue to monitor respiratory illnesses, particularly influenza, as part of routine disease surveillance.
The ministry said claims alleging COVID-19 deaths at Mpilo Central Hospital and new infections at Salem Gama Central Hospital were untrue and did not originate from official government communication.
Ministry spokesperson Donald Mujiri urged members of the public to disregard the circulating message, saying current surveillance data did not indicate the presence of coronavirus in the samples tested.
"Current surveillance data indicate increased influenza activity, with approximately 12 000 cases reported per week. Laboratory testing has predominantly detected influenza A and B, with no coronavirus detected in the samples tested," Mujiri said.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern over an increase in respiratory illnesses across the country, with health authorities recording approximately 12 000 influenza cases every week.
He urged Zimbabweans to obtain health information from recognised government communication platforms and credible mainstream media outlets rather than relying on messages circulated through social media and private messaging groups.
The ministry warned that the circulation of unverified health information could have serious consequences, including creating unnecessary fear, undermining public confidence and disrupting public health interventions.
It further cautioned that individuals who deliberately create or disseminate false health information could face legal consequences.
The ministry's statement is intended to reassure the public that, based on current surveillance and laboratory testing, there is no evidence of a COVID-19 resurgence associated with the claims circulating online.
Authorities nevertheless continue to monitor respiratory illnesses, particularly influenza, as part of routine disease surveillance.
Source - Health Times
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