Singapore Steps Up to Clear the COVID‑19 Rumor Storm
When a new “Corona” variant was whispering its way across the internet, the Ministry of Health waved its wand and said, “Hold up, this isn’t real.”
The Digital Link‑Breaking Command
The health minister, Ong Ye Kung, instructed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office to shoot an official correction to Facebook, Twitter, and the HardwareZone forum (the SPH Magazines hub). Everyone in Singapore now gets a mandatory “Oops, that was a fake!” notice right on their feed.
What the Truth Squad Said
- No, there’s no brand‑new Singapore variant in circulation.
- No, kids aren’t in any danger from a fresh strain. No red‑flag for immunocompromised neat frogs.
- The B.1.617.2 variant (known as the Delhi spread) is the chief case driver in the last few weeks.
India’s “Cloud of Mist” Misinformation
Earlier this week, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, tweeted in Hindi that Singapore was “dropping” a new “corona” that could trigger a third wave in India. He even urged India to cancel all flights to the Lion City.
Major Indian outlets like the Hindustan Times and NDTV amplified the claim. But the MOH and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) shot back with the same fact‑checking punch: The rumors were baseless, and the government was ready to pounce on them.
Bottom Line: Keep Calm and Carry On
Singapore’s unstoppable fact‑checking squad has shown that you can’t let any misinfo slide. No new variant, no kids’ danger, just the Delhi variant. So, unless your playlist is full of conspiracy beats, you’re good to stay as enthusiastically normal as ever.
