The Ministry of Education has issued a warning regarding a fraudulent announcement circulating on a counterfeit website posing as the “Fiji Ministry of Education.” This false statement claims that all schools in Fiji will close from Wednesday, September 18, to Monday, October 6, 2024, due to a reported outbreak of monkeypox with 35 new cases.
The Ministry of Education has clarified that this information is entirely false. There has been no announcement regarding school closures, and all schools are operating normally without any plans for closures.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry confirms that there are currently no reported cases of monkeypox in Fiji. No instructions for school closures or curfews have been issued by the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry advises the public to rely solely on official sources for information. It urges caution when sharing or believing information from unofficial channels, as false news like this can cause unnecessary anxiety and disrupt education and daily life. Disseminating fake news is illegal, and actions will be taken against those responsible.
To help identify fake news, the Ministry offers the following tips:
– Check the Source: Ensure the website or platform sharing the information is official. Updates from the Ministry will always be available on their official website or verified social media channels.
– Verify with Multiple Sources: Cross-reference information with trusted sources to confirm its accuracy.
– Beware of Overly Dramatic Wording: Fake news often employs urgent or sensational language to attract attention.
– Ask for Official Confirmation: If uncertain, visit the official website or contact the Ministry directly.
The Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring all schools across Fiji operate smoothly. Any official updates regarding school schedules or health protocols will be communicated through government channels. The public is advised to depend only on official government statements.
For more information, please contact the Ministry of Education at 3314478/3314477, email helpdesk@govnet.gov.fj, or follow them on social media for trustworthy updates.
STOP FAKE NEWS – CHECK BEFORE YOU SHARE!