Many people don't want to be tested for Covid-19 because of
a “fake news” video saying that the swabs used to test for the illness are
contaminated.
According to the Gauteng health department, this has
hampered the country's efforts to curb the spread of the fatal respiratory
illness.
The department said on Monday that it had come across
difficulties in its community-testing initiative, as some people refused to be
tested because of false information they had received.
Spokesperson Kwara Kekana said the video, which stated that
swabs used to test the public already contained the virus, was the main
culprit.
“In the video the public is misled not to agree to being
tested because the swabs which will be used for the tests are allegedly
contaminated with Covid-19. We wish to state categorically that this is not
true and we can assure the public that the screening and testing will not
expose anyone to Covid-19 in any way,” said Kekana.
Criminal charges have been opened against the man, who is
believed to be from Cape Town. The video was shared on Sunday.
“As stated by the president, the screening and testing
initiative is aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus. We urge the
public to take Covid-19 seriously,” added Kekana.
With the government sending thousands of officials
door-to-door to test citizens for Covid-19, the man in the video warns: “Do not
under any circumstances allow them to test them. There is a possibility that
the swabs are contaminated with Covid-19. If they stick the swabs into your
mouth and up your nose, there is a strong possibility to spread the virus.
Don’t take the risk. Deny being tested.”
Western Cape premier Alan Winde strongly denied the man’s
claims and reported the matter to police. DA MP Siviwe Gwarube formally laid
criminal charges on Monday.
By Sunday night, the coronavirus had claimed the lives of
11 people in SA, with 1,655 positive cases confirmed.
In a bid to stop the spread of the virus, field workers
have been deployed to communities for screening and testing.
The government has promised jail time to anyone who spreads
fake news about the virus and has thus far made several arrests. Sowetan
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