The Ministry of Education is alerting the public about a false announcement being shared online from a fake website pretending to be the “Fiji Ministry of Education.” This announcement wrongly claims that all schools in Fiji will be closed from Wednesday, 18 September to Monday, 6 October 2024, due to an outbreak of monkeypox, with 35 new cases supposedly reported.
The Ministry of Education advises the public that this information is completely false. There has been no announcement of any school closures. All schools remain open and operating as usual, and there are no plans for any closures.
The Ministry of Education, working closely with the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, confirms that there are no cases of monkeypox in Fiji. No directives for school closures or curfews have been issued by the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry advises everyone to only trust information from official sources. We urge the public to be careful when sharing or believing information from unofficial sources. False news like this causes unnecessary worry and disrupts daily life and education. Sharing fake news is illegal, and those responsible will face action.
How to Spot Fake News
To help avoid false information, keep these tips in mind:
• Check the Source: Make sure the website or platform sharing the information is official. The Ministry’s updates will always come from our website or verified social media channels.
• Verify with Multiple Sources: Compare the information with trusted sources to confirm it.
• Beware of Overly Dramatic Wording: Fake news often uses urgent or dramatic language to grab attention.
• Ask for Official Confirmation: If you’re unsure, visit our official website or contact the Ministry directly.
The Ministry of Education continues to support the smooth operation of all schools across Fiji. Any official changes to school schedules or health measures will be shared through government channels. Please only rely on official government statements.
For more information, contact the Ministry of Education at 3314478/3314477 or email helpdesk@govnet.gov.fj or follow us on social media for reliable updates.
STOP FAKE NEWS – CHECK BEFORE YOU SHARE!
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