Don’t share fake news, coronavirus jokes on April Fool’s Day, says DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against sharing false information on this year’s April Fools’ Day pertaining to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as these may easily be construed as facts by some people.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday reasoned that the spread of misinformation could exacerbate the COVID-19 crisis the country is currently facing.

Vergeire also reminded the public to always fact-check and obtain information only from legitimate sources.

“Tandaan, buhay at kaligtasan ang nakasalalay sa bawat click at share natin sa social media. Ngayong araw na ito, it is April 1, it is April Fools’ Day, so additional na babala, ‘wag po kayong magkakalat ng maling impormasyon,” she said in a virtual press briefing.

(Remember, lives and safety are at stake in every click and share on social media. Today is April 1, April Fools’ Day, so we are reminding the public to not spread false information.)

“Maaari itong paniwalaan at magkaroon tayo ng mas masamang epekto dito sa ating mga kababayan ukol sito sa sitwasyon na meron tayo ngayon,” she added.

(This may delude other people to believed the wrongful information and worsen the situation we are currently in.)

Vergeire assured the public that the health department will regularly release news and updates on COVID-19 on its social media accounts, Viber community and in virtual press briefings.

A total of 2,311 individuals in the country are now infected with the coronavirus, with a death toll of 96 and a recovery number of 50.

EDV