DOH: EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN DUE TO COVID-19 VARIANT ‘FAKE’
The Department of Health (DOH) has denied circulating claims that the government is set to impose an “emergency lockdown” due to a supposed new COVID-19 variant. In a statement released to the media, health officials described the message spreading on social media and private chats as fake and not based on any official advisory. The agency reminded the public to verify information with trusted government channels before sharing it online. According to initial information, the misleading post has been reshared multiple times across messaging apps, prompting concerns among workers and students about sudden movement restrictions.
Based on preliminary reports, the false alert appears to mimic the format of earlier pandemic-era announcements, citing an unnamed “national task force” and referencing alleged orders for immediate closures. The DOH clarified that any changes in alert levels or community measures would be announced through official press briefings, verified social media accounts, and government websites. As of now, there are no confirmed details on who originally crafted the message or how it first gained traction. Health authorities said they are coordinating with other agencies to monitor the spread of similar disinformation that could disrupt public routines.
Officials also reiterated that while COVID-19 remains present, current case trends do not warrant abrupt, large-scale lockdowns. The DOH emphasized that existing protocols focus on targeted responses, such as isolation of confirmed cases and localized interventions when necessary. According to initial information from the agency, hospitals remain capable of handling current patient loads, and surveillance systems continue to track any significant changes in transmission. The department added that any verified detection of a new variant of concern would be relayed to the public in coordination with global health partners.
Public reaction to the fake lockdown notice has ranged from confusion to frustration, particularly among commuters and small business owners who feared renewed closures. Some users reported adjusting travel and work plans before learning that the message was not legitimate. Based on preliminary reports, local government hotlines and DOH contact centers received a spike in inquiries after the post began circulating. Health officials said this underscores how quickly unverified claims can cause unnecessary anxiety and disrupt daily activities.
The DOH is urging citizens, content creators, and community leaders to help curb the spread of misinformation by checking the source of any health-related
