As Covid-19 cases remain high in Singapore, concerns that the authorities may tighten health and safety measures naturally arise.
However, some folks may have taken their concerns a little far by circulating an ‘official’ infographic online and in chat groups, stoking unnecessary fears. The infographic claims that vaccinated differentiated safe management measures (VDS) will take effect from 10 Aug, without specifying which year.
Source: WhatsApp
The authorities have since taken to social media to clarify that the infographic is outdated. They also advise the public to check official channels for verified information.
On Tuesday (19 Jul), the Gov.sg Facebook page posted an advisory addressing the infographic that is currently circulating online.
The infographic in question apparently claims that VDS will take effect on 10 Aug of an undisclosed year. These measures include limiting social gatherings and mask-off activities to up to five individuals at any one time.
At the bottom of the picture was a caption, in a distinctly different font, that read “New Measures as of 10 August 2022”. Interestingly, copies of the infographic seen by MS News did not include such a caption at the bottom.
The illustration also featured the ‘Gov.sg’ logo and a ‘go.gov.sg’ link.
Turns out, the infographic was indeed legit as Gov.sg had disseminated it on 10 Aug 2021, nearly one year ago. Here’s the original post on the their Facebook page.
Source: Gov.sg on Facebook
Back then, Singapore was emerging from ‘Phase 2 Heightened Alert’, which lasted from 22 Jul to 10 Aug.
Quite ironically, the measures in the infographic served to inform Singaporeans about eased measures and not stricter ones.
And since our leaders have recently assured us that there’s no need to tighten measures to deal with the surge in cases, we should already be suspicious of the false claims about the infographic being new or applicable in the upcoming month.
Describing the circulating infographic as “false and misleading”, Gov.sg urged the public not to share it.
Members of the public are also urged to refer to the Government’s official channels for verified and updated information.
The relatively high number of Covid-19 infections of late is an understandable reason for some to believe that tightened measures are on the horizon.
Nonetheless, we hope members of the public will be discerning and do their due diligence to verify the information presented to them before sharing it around.
If you know anyone who received or forwarded the infographic in question, tag them in the comments so they’ll know what’s going on.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Gov.sg on Facebook.
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