Covid19 messages in emails, WhatsApp

As several of the older people we deal with are still able to use their mobile devices for email, WhatsApp and other messaging services, we want to warn caregivers and family members that many are reporting receiving messages that are causing high levels of fear.

Please talk to your loved one and suggest they ignore these messages – which can appear quite legit – and pass them on to you so you can allay their fears and possible put a stop to the messaging.

It is already a time of great stress for carers and the elderly, and preying on their vulnerability by scaremongering is not only appalling, according to South African law under our current State of Disaster, it is illegal. To check facts, visit the World Health Organization’s website here https://www.who.int  or the South African Department of Health’s site here https://sacoronavirus.co.za/

Stay safe, stay informed – and please stop fake news from scaring people, especially the elderly and vulnerable.