Dr David Durrheim has been "disappointed" and "disturbed" by various claims on social media that COVID-19 was a hoax or "not the big deal" the media was making it out to be.
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"Having spoken to family members that have been bereaved and lost loved ones due to COVID-19, it has made it very real to me, and our team takes this extremely seriously," the public health physician said. "This virus is a killer. We don't have a vaccine against it and that is going to be our only way out of the situation of lock-down and restrictions. The conspiracy theorists are doing harm and damage, and are being very divisive."
Dr Durrheim said it was important people get honest information and facts and respond appropriately.
"At this time, all of us in the community need to work together to really starve this virus of any opportunity of spreading, and we don't need people who are spreading lies, falsehoods, and rumours that are so far removed from fact and science," he said.
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Anita Beaumont
Anita Beaumont is a health and general news reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
Anita Beaumont is a health and general news reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
