The Department of Health (DOH) has dismissed circulating claims that the Philippines will be placed under an emergency lockdown due to a supposed COVID-19 “Cicada variant.”
In an advisory posted on its official Facebook page, the agency clarified:
“Walang katotohanan ang kumakalat na balitang may emergency lockdown sa bansa dahil sa COVID-19 Cicada Variant.”
The DOH emphasized that there is no cause for alarm and reiterated its earlier announcement on March 31 that the country remains safe, with no confirmed threat from the alleged variant.
Health officials also reminded the public to be cautious about the information they consume and share online, stressing the importance of relying on verified and credible sources.
“Alamin ang tamang impormasyon sa official Facebook page ng DOH o ang opisyal nitong anunsyo sa mga lehitimong media platforms,” it said.
The clarification comes amid the continued spread of misinformation on social media regarding supposed lockdown measures, prompting authorities to reinforce the need for responsible information-sharing and public vigilance.