UAE’s Ministry of Interior has clarified that a tweet warning about “another lockdown” is fake.
Taking to Twitter on Saturday, the ministry urged the public not to fall for fake news and to obtain information only from official sources.
The fake tweet is attributed to the UAE Ministry of Interior and reads: “Due to steadily increasing coronavirus cases, we've decided impose another lockdown with immediate effect starting from Sunday and urge everyone to self quarantine. Stay at home and stay safe.”
The ministry posted a screenshot of the tweet and branded it ‘False News’ on its official Twitter account.
Dubai Public Prosecution has warned that rumourmongers can be jailed for a minimum of one year for spreading false news as per Article 198 of UAE Federal Law.
Publishing or circulating fake health information in the UAE carries a fine of AED 20,000 according to the UAE Cabinet.