A fake news video about coronavirus deaths is being shared on WhatsApp - here’s what it says

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A fake, so-called ‘leaked’ video is being shared on WhatsApp, stating incorrect facts about coronavirus.

Made to sound as though it has been leaked by an NHS ambulance service staff member, the video falsely announces that Public Health England (PHE) has informed the NHS of a peak in coronavirus related deaths in the UK on Thursday (9 April), with 900 deaths a day.

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This fake report comes only a day after WhatsApp announced a limit on message forwarding, in a bid to stop the spread of incorrect information about the pandemic.

What does the video say?

The falsified video states that young people with no health conditions, as well as babies, will make up one third of the “predicted” 900 deaths.

It also claims that during the supposed peak in deaths, the NHS won't be able to handle the added pressure or be able to properly respond to the situation.

Adding to the list of false reports, the video falsely announces that mortuaries across the UK are now full, causing the NHS to cause ice skating rinks as a replacement for new deaths.

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The hoax speaker also claims that the government will announce a complete ban on daily exercise from as early as next week. Additionally, the video states the government will introduce officers to guard the streets and issue stamped papers to people leaving the house for essentials, such as food or medicine.

How do we know the video is a hoax?

Speaking to ITV, Public Health England has confirmed the recording is a hoax.

Professor Viv Bennett, Chief Nurse at Public Health England has asked the public to ignore the video, stating, “We are aware of a voice message circulating about the ambulance response to coronavirus, as well as restrictions on movement and predicted case numbers, which claims to have come from PHE.

"This is fake news, and we would urge people to ignore the message and not share it further.”

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Also speaking out against the clip is West Midlands Ambulance Service, who dubbed the video’s information "fake news", and have encouraged people to ignore it.

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