Is Ulleungdo Salt a Miracle Cure for COVID-19? ... Health Authorities "Strictly Responding to COVID-19 Fake News"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] The quarantine authorities have stated that they will respond strictly to the recent surge in fake news and misinformation related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 25th, Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, said, "Fake news and misinformation related to COVID-19 have been increasing recently. Since misinformation related to COVID-19 threatens the lives and safety of the public, we intend to respond swiftly and strictly."

He continued, "There are also criminal acts such as the distribution of fraudulent gambling sites disguised as contact tracing and the sale of personal information disguised as visitor logs. Additionally, there are fake news about quarantine situations such as panic buying spread and the so-called '3-step phase,' as well as scientifically unfounded cases like the effects of salt from Ulleungdo."

He added, "So far, the Korea Communications Commission has deleted and blocked 200 cases of false and manipulated information, and reviewed 50 broadcasting-related cases, taking measures such as 5 warnings and 38 recommendations. The National Police Agency is tracking and arresting not only the original producers but also the intermediate distributors of malicious and organized misinformation. To date, a total of 174 cases and 273 people have been apprehended for spreading false information, and these efforts will continue to be strengthened."

Yoon emphasized, "Creating unfounded fear or spreading false information does not help our community at all," and urged, "We ask the public to trust the credible information from the quarantine authorities first, keeping in mind those working in quarantine and medical fields."