DUBAI:  The UAE government has again warned against the spreading of misinformation, after a series of rumors circulated questioning the official number of recorded cases of coronavirus infection in the country, state news agency WAM reported.

“These reports contradict with the announcements made by the official authorities,” a health department statement said.

The statement explained that people should gather their information from official sources and “disregard rumors,” adding that those found sharing and promoting false information would face fines and possible jail terms.

The WOrld Health Organisation has previously voiced its own concerns about the amount of misinformation being circulated about the coronavirus, warning that it can also cause a lot of harm.

According to the UAE’s Department of Health website there are 611 confirmed cases, of which 61 people recovered and five people have died.