Residents in Canberra have received fake COVID-19 health warnings in their mailboxes claiming the virus is being spread by the government through the water supply and that any vaccines will contain a UN tracking device.
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| The letter delivered in Canberra (Supplied - ABC) |
“Although online social media is the home of conspiracy theories and opinions, they can still find their way into letterboxes,” says Kellie Northwood, CEO of The Real Media Collective, the industry group representing users, producers and distributors of catalogues, direct mail, print and paper. “While everyone is entitled to their opinion, the delivery of the notice is of concern.”
The flyer looks like a COVID-19 health warning but alleges coronavirus is being spread by the government through the water supply, and that a possible vaccination against the virus could include a tracking device.
“The flyer also warns residents against getting tested for COVID-19, and that the testing centre — newly located on Garran Oval near the Canberra Hospital — will ‘spread COVID-19 … and enable total government control over all aspects of life under UN Agenda 21,’” reported abc.net.au.
Northwood told TRMC members via email: “Although unlikely that a mail distributor had anything to do with these notices, it serves as a timely reminder that mail distribution companies and printers should maintain their integrity and show caution on the work they take on. Taking on risk at any level is an individual company decision, however now is not the time to be diverted or allowed to be potentially scapegoated for the opinions of others.
“In most cases, businesses have the right to determine who they do business with. Mail distributors and printers have a right to refuse to take on work if it is in breach of the Distribution Standards Board guidelines, or that does not fit with the values of a company, or that is of a controversial and obviously misleading nature.
“Mail distribution companies have health and safety responsibilities to those who walk and distribute materials. Some recipients may not be pleased to receive controversial material and take their umbrage out on the individual distributor.
“TRMC will provide Mail Distribution companies with an advisory on how to handle these types of issues in the coming days. Should anyone have any concerns in this regard please do not hesitate in contacting us we will assist where we can.”
www.therealmediacollective.com.au/rebuildtogether
