Ballito Junction denies hoax claims that centre is Covid-19 hotspot

The message further claims that several stores had seen staff, and shoppers, infected with Covid-19.

Ballito Junction Regional Mall has disputed a WhatsApp message which started going viral yesterday, claiming that the retail giant had been declared a Covid-19 hotspot, North Coast Courier reports.

The message claims that several stores had seen staff, and shoppers, infected with Covid-19.

It was further claimed that several stores had closed owing to positive cases being identified.

However, Junction CEO, Geraldine Jorgensen said the message was fake news, saying it contained inaccuracies and sending out a reminder that those who share and spread such false claims may face prosecution by government.

The claim that the centre had been declared a hot-spot was denied.

Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize last week officially declared that a second wave of Covid-19 infections was sweeping through South Africa.

“As we face this second wave, Ballito Junction’s strict sanitising regime and prevention protocols go well beyond what is required of us to provide a safe, sanitised environment for shoppers and staff alike because their safety and well-being is our priority.”

Jorgensen reminded shoppers to do their part in combating the virus by covering their faces properly, maintaining safe distances and sanitising their hands when visiting.

ALSO READ: ‘Healthy New Year is in your hands’ as president introduces festive season precautions


Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

Read original story on northcoastcourier.co.za

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Support local journalism

Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Network News in Google News and Top Stories.

Back to top button