This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
As of July 3, 2020, Melbourne, Australia, is grappling with a steep spike in COVID-19 cases, with over 10,000 people refusing to get tested, according to health authorities.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos expressed concern over the trend, stating that some individuals believe the virus is a conspiracy or that it won't affect them.
With the city's residents feeling insecure and fearful about the reinstated lockdowns, officials are urging the public to get tested and ignore disinformation spreading online.
Despite carrying out 160,000 tests in the last week and knocking on almost 100,000 doors, the health minister emphasized the need for a 'testing blitz' to trace, track, and check the spread of the disease.
Throughout the pandemic, falsehoods have spread quickly online, with one prominent Australian conspiracy theorist making false claims about 'contaminated test kits' and denying the pandemic's existence.
Residents are expressing deep unease about the impact of the lockdowns, with over 300,000 people forced back into lockdown until July 29.
As Australia struggles to contain the clusters around Melbourne, officials are urging the public to get tested and ignore disinformation spreading online.
AFP fact-checkers have debunked several spurious claims, including those about implanting 'microchips' and tests not working.
