It's hard to believe misinformation linking COVID-19 to 5G technology is still being bandied about and accepted, but unfortunately it is.
Back in April we reported among the more “out there” conspiracy theories is 5G is somehow causing or accelerating COVID-19. But regardless of how much information is released explaining just how wrong this view is, the perception is persisting in some quarters; even here in Australia.
This has resulted in the Morrison Government again attempting this week to provide a dose of reality.
“Any suggestions that there is a link between 5G and coronavirus are utterly baseless," said Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP. "As the Chief Medical Officer has said, 5G does not cause the coronavirus and it does not spread coronavirus."
A statement from the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, released late last week puts things very simply and very clearly.
"There is no link between 5G and COVID-19. 5G does not cause COVID-19. It does not spread COVID-19. Nor does it increase the severity of COVID-19 or make people more susceptible to COVID-19."
There's no wiggle room there. Professor Murphy said scientific evidence shows wireless telecommunications technologies, including 5G, do not weaken people’s immune systems and do not place us at higher risk of virus infection.
Minister Fletcher also reminded those who may have plans or desires to interfere with telecommunications facilities that to do so is a criminal offence - furthermore, it puts lives in danger.
"The Australian Government will not tolerate any vandalism of communications infrastructure and I urge Australians to report any suspicious activity to their local police," Minister Fletcher said.
The following are statements from other bodies regarding 5G and the coronavirus.
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
- Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association
- World Health Organisation
While none of these organisations are infallible, they probably have a better idea than some random folks on Youtube or Facebook with far too much time on their hands.
Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing, but freedom without responsibility is just anarchy. This is not an X-Files episode, this is real life. The world has enough to worry about with the coronavirus pandemic without having to also contend with the fallout caused by related conspiracy theories - and it's up to all of us to ensure we don't perpetuate them.
