Pyeongtaek City Takes Strict Measures Against COVID-19 Misinformation

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Pyeongtaek City announced on the 24th that it will take strict measures against acts that interfere with quarantine activities, including the spread of false information related to COVID-19.

The city explained that amid the recent resurgence of COVID-19, there has been an increase in the production and distribution of malicious and organized misinformation that hinders quarantine activities, such as claims that "the government deliberately manipulates test results for specific individuals," "health centers inject coronavirus during diagnostic testing," and "health center testing is fraudulent, so get tested at a hospital instead."

The city announced it will strengthen real-time online monitoring to delete and block misinformation, and will take strict measures by mobilizing all available means including filing for investigation in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Mayor Jung Jang-seon stated, "There are approximately 600 screening clinics nationwide, and private medical institutions and diagnostic specialist companies participate in the diagnostic testing process, making government manipulation impossible," and urged citizens to "trust the government and comply with quarantine guidelines, as fabricated false information contradicts the will and aspirations of citizens, compounds confusion and distrust, and causes enormous damage to safety."

Meanwhile, the city is conducting real-time monitoring of COVID-19 misinformation, and filed for police investigation on 2 cases last February.