Singaporean Ministry of Health Rejects False Claims on COVID-19 Autopsy Findings and Vaccination Laws
SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a strong rebuttal against two misleading claims circulating on social media platforms concerning COVID-19 autopsy findings and vaccination regulations in Singapore. These claims have resurfaced online despite previous clarifications by the ministry. The MOH seeks to address public concerns and curb the spread of misinformation, emphasizing the importance of relying on credible sources for health information.
The first false claim alleges that Singapore was the first country to conduct a COVID-19 autopsy, which supposedly revealed that the disease is caused by a bacterium rather than a virus. The MOH categorically denies this claim, stating unequivocally that no such autopsy has been performed in Singapore and that COVID-19 is indeed caused by a virus, not a bacterium. This misinformation initially emerged in 2021, with variations mentioning different countries, and has recently resurfaced online.
The second false claim alleges that Singapore enacted laws mandating vaccinations and imposing jail sentences on unvaccinated individuals following a recent visit by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The MOH vehemently dismisses this claim, stating that no such laws have been passed in connection with Mr. Gates’ visit or otherwise. Mr. Gates has frequently been the target of unfounded conspiracy theories related to vaccines and COVID-19, and this latest claim appears to be another example of misinformation targeting him.
The MOH has expressed concern over the spread of these false claims and urges the public to refrain from sharing unsubstantiated information that could cause unnecessary alarm. The ministry emphasizes the importance of seeking information from reliable sources and verifying information before sharing it online.
The MOH’s clarification comes amidst a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Singapore. The ministry has warned of potential periodic waves of infection throughout the year, similar to patterns observed with other endemic respiratory illnesses. Currently, the dominant circulating variants in Singapore are LF.7 and NB.1.8, both descendants of the JN.1 variant, which is the basis for the current COVID-19 vaccine formulation. There is no evidence to suggest that these prevalent variants are more transmissible than previous strains.
The MOH is committed to transparency and accuracy in its communication regarding COVID-19 and related matters. The ministry encourages the public to stay informed through official channels and reputable sources, such as the MOH website and official government publications. The ministry reiterates its commitment to providing accurate and up-to-date information to combat the spread of misinformation and ensure public health and safety.
The ministry continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. They encourage the public to continue practicing preventive measures, such as maintaining good hygiene, wearing masks in crowded settings when experiencing respiratory symptoms, and staying home when unwell. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in protecting against severe illness and complications from COVID-19, and the MOH encourages eligible individuals to stay updated with their vaccinations. The ministry is committed to combating misinformation and ensuring public trust in its health guidance, reinforcing the importance of verified information in navigating the evolving landscape of the pandemic. They also encourage the public to report any instances of suspected misinformation encounters to the relevant authorities.
