Hushed video messages and voice notes warning of a “complete lockdown” or a status “red” emergency being declared, were among a maelstrom of false information about coronavirus circulating in social media group chats. Despite warnings, misinformation and fake news continues to circulate widely on social media messaging apps such as WhatsApp in particular. “The army will be patrolling the cities to deter people from looting and criminal damage and so forth,” the video continues. On Monday, Mr Varadkar also urged individuals to stop sharing unverified information on WhatsApp groups. On Saturday, the French health minister Olivier Véran warned anti inflammatory drugs “could be an aggravating factor” for those with coronavirus.

Source: The Irish Times March 16, 2020 13:52 UTC