Warning over hoax ambulance voice message sharing 'alarmist information' on social media

Health chiefs have slammed a ‘fake news’ voice message which predicts a hike in coronavirus deaths and details the ambulance services’ response to the virus.

The message, which has been circulating on WhatsApp, reportedly discusses the ambulance response to coronavirus, as well as restrictions on movement and predicted case numbers and claims to have come from Public Health England (PHE).

The agency has dismissed the message as ‘fake news’ and is urging anyone who receives it not share it.

Meanwhile, the North West Ambulance Service insisted that the “alarmist information” being shared in the message is not correct.

PHE have slammed the message as 'fake news' (NWAS)

The hoax recording appears to have been widely shared.

A person, claiming to be relaying information from PHE, can be heard giving what sounds like a briefing to colleagues, Birmingham Live reports.

They can be heard to claim that the UK will hit a peak today (Thursday) with 900 Covid-19 deaths expected each day.

They can also be heard stating that many will be children and babies with no underlying health conditions, and claiming that ambulances will not be sent to some patients, Birmingham Live reports.

Professor Viv Bennett, PHE’s Chief Nurse, said the message is completely fake.

“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.

A warning from NWAS (NWAS)

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

A statement on The North West Ambulance Service Facebook page read: “We are aware of a voice message being shared currently on social media regarding the ambulance response to coronavirus.

“The alarmist information being shared in the message is not correct. We would urge people to disregard the message and not share it further.

“In line with our ongoing plans during this challenging time, we are continuing to follow national guidelines regarding the ambulance response and thank the public for their ongoing support in following the government’s advice.”