It’s January 2020 and fake news is more prevalent than ever thanks to technology and social media.
Just a few days ago, fake news was being spread about how the Wuhan coronavirus was engineered in a laboratory and how there is already a cure available.
News flash: It came from a yet to be identified wild animal in Wuhan and it currently does not have a cure.
Other fake news and misinformation such an individual dying from the virus in Singapore have also cropped up but has been swiftly debunked by the government.
Today, I have the pleasure of debunking yet another fake news, and this time it has to do with everyone’s favourite grocery chain:
Fake News of Masks Only Available in Certain Time in NTUC FairPrice Debunked
Ah, NTUC, where we stock up on essentials like cow milk, broccoli, rice and… masks?
Lest you’re unaware, a lot of retail outlets such as NTUC FairPrice have run out of surgical masks and N95 masks because people keep hoarding them like hamsters hoard food in their cheeks.
Those that do have leftover masks available draw long queues until there are no more masks left.
NTUC FairPrice took to Facebook to debunk a rumour that’s being circulated all over social media regarding the stocks of face masks at their Unity Pharmacy.
This act of mischief has wreaked havoc and has greatly inconvenienced the grocery chain, according to their Facebook post.
This is what the message containing the fake news looks like:
Here is the translation for my dear Chinese illiterate readers:
“Forwarded: the whole of Singapore’s Unity Pharmacy will be selling masks from 10-11am daily. The second batch will be available from 1-3pm. There are 10 masks in a box and everyone is only entitled to a box at a time. One box is selling for $2.30. Those who need the masks can go shop for them during those stated timings. Just buy a sufficient amount for your family, do not bulk buy. Stocks will continuously be supplied.”
NTUC FairPrice Appeals Recipients Not To Forward Message
NTUC explains that this message is in fact false. The masks are not being made available during the stated timings.
This act of mischief has caused much confusion and has tempered with store operations.
NTUC also goes on to explain that they are trying their best to restock the masks in store but the demand is just too high.
They advise Singaporeans to exercise patience and reminded them not to hoard the masks as it would deprive others of the masks.
“We seek our customers’ understanding that despite our best efforts to replenish our stocks, the exceptionally high demand for these items may exceed the ability to replace them expeditiously. Nonetheless, we will continue to work with our suppliers to bring in more stock for these items. We urge customers to be patient and also not to hoard these items as doing so will deprive others who need them as well.”
This is their post on Facebook:
Authorities Say There’s No Need To Wear Masks
The Singapore authorities have advised that there is “generally no need to wear a mask if one is not ill”.
Only individuals who are unwell need to wear a mask in case they infect others.
This was confirmed by the Senior Minister of State for Health Lam Pin Min who said in a Facebook post:
“As there is currently no local transmission of the 2019-nCoV infection, masks are generally not needed in our normal daily activities. However, do put on a face mask if you have respiratory symptoms like a cough or runny nose to prevent the spread of the flu or the common cold viruses.”
However, he advises Singaporeans to practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently and to see a doctor if you’re feeling unwell.
