New York (NVI): Misinformation during times of a health crisis can spread paranoia, fear, and stigmatization, the UNICEF has said in a statement while warning people about fake information on COVID-19 being spread on social media.
The organisation released the statement after a fake online message purporting to be a UNICEF communication was doing rounds on social media. The message appears to indicate that avoiding ice cream can prevent the virus.
“A recent erroneous online message circulating in several languages around the world and purporting to be a UNICEF communication appears to indicate, among other things, that avoiding ice cream and other cold foods can help prevent the onset of the disease. This is, of course, wholly untrue,” read a statement by Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships.
She said that sound preparation, based on scientific evidence, is what is needed at this time.
In her statement on coronavirus misinformation, Charlotte stated that while many people are sharing information about the virus and how to protect against it, only some of that information is useful or reliable.
She also warned those behind the misinformation.“To the creators of such falsehoods, we offer a simple message: STOP. Sharing inaccurate information and attempting to imbue it with authority by misappropriating the names of those in a position of trust is dangerous and wrong,” she said.
The UNICEF Deputy Executive Director also urged the people to seek accurate information about how to keep themself and their family safe from verified sources, such as UNICEF or WHO, government health officials and trusted healthcare professionals. She appealed to the public to refrain from sharing information from untrustworthy or unverified sources.
“It can be difficult in today’s information-rich society to know exactly where to go for knowledge about how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. But it is critical that we remain as diligent about the accuracy of the information we share as we are about every other precaution we take to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe,” she added.
Charlotte asserted that UNICEF is actively taking steps to provide accurate information about the virus by working with the World Health Organization, government authorities and with online partners like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok to make sure that accurate information and advice is available, as well as taking steps to inform the public when inaccurate information emerges.
