During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, videos and images of overflowing hospital wards and reports of treatment centers lacking beds were a common sight, fueling fear and emphasizing the dangers of the virus.
Recently, a voice note has been circulating on WhatsApp claiming that hospital wards are once again full and the number of patients being brought in dead is increasing due to a new wave from an African nation.
Is there any truth to these claims?
VERDICT:
FALSE
In a statement posted on its official Facebook account, the Health Ministry said that the voice note in question first went viral in 2021 and is now resurfacing and causing worry among recipients.
“The public is asked to not spread the false news as it can cause panic in the community,” said the ministry.
It added that the public is also asked to be vigilant for the spread of Covid-19, as it is still present in the community.
“Be sure to take the necessary health precautions by constantly practising the Three W and avoiding the Three S. Take a Covid-19 test if you show symptoms, get your vaccine and booster and get early treatment and the antiviral Paxlovid if you test positive for Covid-19,” said the ministry.
The Three W are to wash hands, wear a mask and watch one’s distance from other people while the Three S to avoid are crowded, closed or confined spaces.
