Fake News About 'COVID-19' Spreading on SNS, Turns Out to Be...

Busan City Fact-Checks Cases Increasing Citizens' Anxiety

YouTuber Pretending to Be Infected with Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jonghyo] 'Fake news' related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is being indiscriminately spread, increasing anxiety among Busan citizens. Busan City compiled examples of fake news related to COVID-19 in the Busan area circulating on YouTube and social network services (SNS) and announced them on the 27th.

◆"I came from Wuhan, everyone stay away!" shouted a man … "He wanted to become famous"= It started on the 30th of last month with a YouTuber. In a video posted by YouTuber A, a man is seen shouting, "Everyone, I came from Wuhan. I have pneumonia. Everyone stay away from me! It feels like my lungs are tearing." Accompanied by severe coughing sounds, the surrounding passengers hurriedly left their seats, showing signs of confusion.

A was caught by the police following a report from a passenger at the scene and was immediately taken to a public health center for a COVID-19 test, but the result was 'negative.' According to the police, A stated that the reason for his behavior was "to become famous."

◆COVID-19 female patient dragged from a bakery in Sasang-gu? … "Groundless"= On the 24th, rumors rapidly spread mainly on online communities that a COVID-19 confirmed patient was 'dragged away' from a bakery in Sasang-gu. It was said that she ignored orders to be hospitalized and wandered around the city before being forcibly transported by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency staff. Detailed explanations were added, including that the woman was a member of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which further fueled anxiety.

This was revealed to be fake news. The Sasang-gu Public Health Center stated, "There has never been any report or receipt of such an incident related to COVID-19." Although it is unknown why the woman was transported to the hospital, there is no connection to COVID-19. An official said, "The misunderstanding seems to have arisen because the paramedics in the photo were wearing full-body protective suits."

In fact, this is a common theme in fake news originating from Busan. Photos of paramedics wearing full-body protective suits and transporting patients are taken, and claims are made that a COVID-19 patient has appeared in the neighborhood. Currently, as the COVID-19 crisis response level has been raised to 'serious,' Busan city paramedics wear full-body protective suits even during regular dispatches. The fire department explained that this is only a precaution against any possible accidents and that not all cases are directly related to COVID-19.

◆Prevent COVID-19 with 'hot water' and 'hair dryer'? … "No basis"= "Emergency recommendation from the Medical Association: Drink hot water frequently. COVID-19 is weak to heat. Ice water and cold water are not good," "This is the president of Chunhae Health University... After going out, use a hair dryer to shower all clothes and items you are concerned about. Don't worry. The virus is all dead."

These messages have recently been circulated on SNS, claiming to be recommendations from the Korean Medical Association (KMA) or written by the president of Chunhae Health University. Although it is easy to believe these as advice from credible experts, they are all fake news. The KMA stated, "This content, titled as a public recommendation from the KMA to enhance credibility, was not created by the KMA," and issued an official statement saying, "Sharing fake news during this critical time is fatal to public health."

Chunhae Health University also clearly stated that they never issued such messages. On the 24th, the university's planning office said, "The content spreading indiscriminately on SNS under the president's name is not true," and requested cooperation to prevent the spread of false information.

◆"Check accurate information on the city's official website and SNS"= Busan City has also taken measures. On the 25th, the city revamped its official website to provide accurate information, such as displaying the total number of confirmed cases, the number of new confirmed cases added that day, and the number of patients released from quarantine right on the homepage. Information is also provided through the city's official SNS channels, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Additionally, a daily briefing is held at 1:30 p.m. to disclose the daily situation.

Mayor Oh Keo-don of Busan said, "Information that is not verified through the city's official channels should neither be trusted nor spread," and added, "We will do our best to prevent the spread of fake news that increases citizens' anxiety and to provide accurate information."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.