Workshop held to curb spread of rumours

Muscat: Rumours and false information about coronavirus vaccines have led to exposing the lives of elderly people and the rest of their family members and society in general to great health risks that may reach deaths, according to the Minister of Information.

A statement issued online by Oman News Agency (ONA) said : "His Excellency Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, the Minister of Information affirms that rumours and false information pose a threat to the society that sharpens its forces in confronting the Coronavirus pandemic by transmitting negative messages, distorting the correct scientific concepts, and harming the efforts of government institutions and others regarding awareness of the dangers of this virus."

"His Excellency added in his speech to during the inauguration of the training seminar organized by the Ministry represented by the Government Communication Center and the Media Training Center that the previous stage witnessed many rumors about the harms and risks of the new Coronavirus vaccines. This has led to some individuals, especially the elderly, to doubt and reluctance to take the vaccine, which exposes their lives and the rest of their family members and society in general to great health risks that may reach death."

"The two-day seminar aims to enhance awareness of the nature of fake and misleading news, how rumors spread and ways to avoid them in light of the multiplicity of methods used, the development of digital tools and their ease of use." the statement added