The social platforms Facebook, Viber and WhatsApp these days were flooded with misinformation in which UNICEF was cited as a source. The misinformation was widely shared. The manipulation is also found on some portals that have numerous followers: Porta.mk, Semesinapovo.
UNICEF has called it a manipulation, pointing out that it is a misinformation contrary to the advice of the health experts. In their report from UNICEF they emphasize that all the information they provide is available at the following link. To avoid spreading manipulation, UNICEF MK suggests that information on COVID-19 is best obtained from trusted sources, such as the Ministry of Health, the Institute of Public Health, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization.
“The spread of misinformation in times of health crisis is making people more vulnerable and susceptible to the disease, contributing to the spreading of paranoia, fear and stigmatization,” is said in their response.
Fact checker factcheck.afp.com on 10.03.2020 already wrote about this misinformation. And the British Broadcasting Corporation on 08.03.2020 also wrote about this misinformation as part of the manipulative narratives of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health appeals to the citizens to request all the information on their website which is available and is constantly updated with all the details related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Anyone who is spreading lies about COVID-19 could be charged with criminal charges for spreading false news on the basis of the Criminal Code of the Republic of North Macedonia, which would result in serious criminal liability.
We remind the public to be cautious and attentive about the source of information, but also to be responsive and to check before sharing misinformation on the social networks.
