The KwaZulu-Natal Health Department will discipline an employee of the National Health Laboratory Service for creating and distributing misleading information about the Novel Coronavirus.

In a Whatsapp recording that has caused panic among KwaZulu-Natal residents, the woman says Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital was overwhelmed with patients with the virus and added that none of the doctors on duty were willing to help the patients.

Recently it was widely reported that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were not willing to go to Wuhan, China, to evacuate citizens. The SANDF has since denied such accusations as "ludicrous".

In a statement KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said her department welcomes any stringent action against any individual who is reckless enough to spread false information.

Simelane-Zulu said while the production and dissemination of fake news was a global problem, it was unbecoming of State employees to involve themselves in such malicious conduct.

“This case should therefore serve as a warning that we will not tolerate anything that serves to undermine all the good work that is being done by Government in responding to this emergency. We await a report from the hospital with keen interest, and hope that the action that will be taken will serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering doing something similar,” she highlighted. 

Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital management has vehemently denied all the accusations by the said employee.

“We are always deeply concerned when people resort to creating and spreading false propaganda, which causes a lot of unnecessary fear and anxiety in our communities. This is a particularly sensitive time, and Government is doing a lot of good work to contain the Novel Coronavirus from spreading. 

"This is a time for cool heads, when we should be expending our efforts and resources on creating awareness about the virus, how it should be prevented, and what people should do if they believe they may be exhibiting its symptoms,” said Simelane-Zulu.

She said the government had adopted a stance that only Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize is authorised to confirm any cases of Coronavirus, after laboratory tests have been conducted, and the results received.

Simelane-Zulu called all members of the public to exercise restraint and act responsibly.