National information service would lessen impact of fake COVID-19 news - Smith

A local TD has called for the introduction of an opt-in national information service to deliver up to date information on the COVID-19 outbreak directly to people’s phones.
Deputy Brendan Smith said the service could provide the latest figures on cases, the latest measures to be undertaken by Government, and encourage the public to take necessary precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. The Fianna Fail TD said that a similar service is being successfully run in Singapore. 
Deputy Smith made the suggestion in a bid to quell what he has described as the "very disruptive effect" of false information.
Deputy Smith explained, “The sheer amount of false information which was circulated over the past few days has had a very disruptive effect. It creates confusion and stirs up panic and has led to medical professionals and officials having to make a number of clarifications when their time could be better spent elsewhere.
“During this time looking after our mental health is paramount. Malicious rumours stemming from Whatsapp messages will not help people in Cavan-Monaghan or nationwide.
“If we could ensure that people were receiving reliable, accurate information it could vastly improve compliance with hand and cough hygiene, social distancing and self-isolation.
“In rural parts of Cavan-Monaghan internet is not readily available and some people do not have an internet connection in their home. This messaging service can be aimed at those groups in particular, so they remain informed with the correct information.
“We need to ensure we are getting our news from trusted sources. An information messaging service can become one of those trusted sources,” concluded Deputy Smith.