The National Department of Health says it has noted with concern the reports circulating on social media about a new COVID-19 Omicron XBB variant.
These social media posts further advise people to wear face masks because of an allegedly “deadly and not easy-to-detect variant”.
The department said this is a misleading message which does not have a traceable source.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and ignore this malicious social media content whose intent is to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as the country is entering influenza season,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday.
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On Sunday, the department urged the public to take extra precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against respiratory infections, which are expected to increase over the winter season.
It said that COVID-19 remains circulating at relatively low levels around the country just like in other parts of the world.
However, there is no need for the public to panic because many people have developed some level of immunity from both the vaccines and infections, according to the statement.
In addition, the department said taking protective measures daily, including non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand hygiene, will help to prevent the spread of other respiratory infections including influenza.
