Fake news and conspiracies around the Covid-19 pandemic have seen a spike since the announcement of the discovery of the new Omicron variant.
Projects Director at the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change, Stuart Jones says news about new variants always seem to lead to a sudden rise in anti-vaccination sentiments.
Stuart says their latest research also shows that a lot of people now question the effectiveness of the currently available Covid-19 vaccines.
Read the latest Vaccine Disinformation weekly report here.
Related articles:
- Netcare says early data points to less severe Covid-19 disease during the 4th wave.
- Legally possible for Government to implement vaccination mandates.
- Study suggests the Omicron variant escapes antibody immunity induced by the Pfizer vaccine, vaccination key to prevent severe disease.
South Africa has recorded yet another milestone with nearly fifteen million adults now fully vaccinated against the #COVID19 pandemic.
Don't delay, vaccinate. #VaccinateToSaveSouthAfrica 🔗https://t.co/S4nGLnmHAX pic.twitter.com/krLDyGKcuu
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) December 7, 2021
Premier Alan Winde has condemned the amount of fake news that has been circulating on social media, about apparent looting and violent protests here in the Mother City.
He urges residents to refrain from creating and circulating these fakes stories and says that, to date, no incidences of protests or looting have taken place here.
Winde says law-enforcement agencies are on high-alert and will react when their services are needed.
Access the full briefing here.
Related articles:
- Western Cape ready for any incidences of protests or looting.
- Calls to end taxi-violence in the Western Cape.
- Premier Alan Winde calls for calm, confirms no reports of looting in the Western Cape.
1/2 Morning Update on Safety in the Province 📢 ⬇️
Thank you to everyone in our province for remaining calm. I urge residents in this province to continue to remain calm, reject violence, and respect the law. Please do not share fake news, as this creates unnecessary panic. pic.twitter.com/Rc7sRgwJxf
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) July 14, 2021
🔴LIVE NOW 📢 Join our digital press conference happening now to update the media and the public on the WC’s preparedness to respond to public unrest as well as steps to address taxi violence ▶️ https://t.co/HmkC1G785I pic.twitter.com/vdMDCFZIgl
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) July 13, 2021
