Coronavirus: Government launches WhatsApp support group

With so much fake news and misinformation doing the rounds around coronavirus, it is important to get your information from reliable sources.

The Department of Health has launched a website that contains important contact details, including the emergency support hotline, and up-to-date news and resources.

The department also has put a WhatsApp support group into place where concerned South Africans can join the conversation and stay informed.

Firstly, the number you want to save in your contacts is 060 012 3456. All you need to do is message the contact by saying “Hi”.

Save it as Corona Support SA or something along those lines.

You will then receive a menu response. The menu provides a number of prompts which you can use to get the information you need.

Emergency Hotline: 0800 029 999

WhatsApp Support Line: 060 012 3456

* 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).

Do you want to receive news alerts from The North Coast Courier via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

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