Fake news on coronavirus hits Australia
Two state health departments have had to take action over intentionally misleading social media posts
29th January 2020
By Jo Hartley
Fake news over the coronavirus outbreak has been spreading over social media even affecting two Australian state health departments.
Both NSW Health and Queensland Health have had to act quickly this week to disown posts sent out in their names.
The one allegedly from NSW Health claimed a range of Chinese food products were contaminated with the virus.
The foods mentioned included rice, noodles and Chinese Red Bull, leading some social media responders to brand it racist.
The fake post also said the "Bureau of Diseasology Parramatta" had confirmed that four Sydney locations had tested positive for the virus at train stations.
