The ManicaPost
UNTIL less than a month ago, a popular theory was that Africa’s generally hot climate would stop the spread of COVID-19 on the continent.
In addition, black people had a false sense of security as another theory claimed that they were immune to the virus. Reality then sunk as black people living abroad tested positive to the virus and as cases were reported in Africa.
After realising that the virus was not looking at the colour of the skin or nationality, this did not stop peddlers of fake news from coming up with more theories.
A creepy story is told about how the virus came from a failed biological experiment in either China or the United States of America.
Prominent people, including soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Pope Francis, were said to have tested positive to coronavirus and were either in self-isolation or quarantine.
And then in a continent where a considerable portion of the population actually rely on second- hand clothes, it has been reported that imported second-hand clothes could spread the coronavirus.
This has been rubbished by health experts who say the virus has a certain amount of hours to spread. By the time the clothes get to their destination, the virus will be dead.
But the fake news does not end there.
Despite persistent messages from health experts reminding people that the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is through practising good personal hygiene and self-isolating, weird suggestions on what can “cure” COVID-19 continue to fly around.
Social media has been awash with messages encouraging people to partake a concoction of ginger, garlic and honey in order to become immune to COVID-19. Some have even claimed that there is an amazing toothpaste and some dietary supplements that can prevent COVID-19.
As the coronavirus traverses across the African continent, indeed, false information has been spreading faster than the virus itself.
The “infodemic”, as it is now being referred to, has seen some mischievous elements in the Zimbabwean society desperately trying to exaggerate the scale of the virus in the country.
For these fake news peddlers, and for a reason only known to them, Zimbabwe should have more confirmed cases of coronavirus, instead of the eight reported by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Could the fear-mongering be political? Why would any Zimbabwean wish for a full blown outbreak at a time when the world’s economic heavyweights are struggling under the weight of the virus?
So widespread is the problem that the Government has had to gazette new laws that could see people spending up to 20 years in prison for spreading fake news on the novel coronavirus.
According to Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020, people who peddle false information on COVID-19 could face imprisonment, a hefty fine or both.
Zimbabwe is not the only country that has taken this route because the infodemic is not only peculiar to this nation. South Africa and Egypt, among other countries, have also put in place such legislation.
Fake news spreads faster and more easily through the internet and social media. Usually these contain useless, incorrect and even harmful information and advice which hampers the public heath response.
Since governments across the world cannot stem the spread of fake news via social media, health experts are urging caution.
It is therefore crucial to be able to identify what is fake and what is real. When false information is shared by trusted friends and relatives, including those who are medical personnel, it doesn’t make it true.
Daily, we come across questionable stories and there is no need to share those. Our sixth sense really needs to become alive during this pandemic. In questioning the source, we might also stop the spread of fake news.
During this crucial time as Zimbabwe goes through a lockdown of three weeks to stop the spread of coronavirus, people are understandably hungry for updates from across the province, the nation, Africa and beyond.
The best sources to go to for health information about COVID-19 are the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the World Health Organisation’s website. Those will never let you down, they will never peddle false information.
In the meantime, stay at home and stay safe.
