Coronavirus scam hits local hospitals

Coronavirus scam hits local hospitals A fake coronavirus text circulates the region claiming that at least two area hospitals have confirmed cases, CTV’s Mike Arsalides reports.

Barrie — Fake texts and social media posts have been circulating about cases of coronavirus at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.

The messages cite both CTV and CBC as sources, and it has residents concerned.

It was pretty scary, and I have a lot of family in Barrie. I wasn't very happy to hear that,” resident Benjamin Sawyer said.

Sawyer’s mother said she first saw the posts on Facebook.

“I was definitely scared to think the coronavirus had reached this area,” resident Rachelle Schernhammer said.

Officials from both hospitals confirm the link is fake and warn the public not to click on the link.

“Certainly if there was a case, we would alert our own staff and community in the proper format; which would be an official release from RVH, not through a text like this,” Suzanne Legue with the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre said.

Collingwood General Memorial has issued a similar statement

“That is not the usual communications venue that hospital utilizes at all and I would suggest that if anyone wants to find information that is valid and correct that you come to our hospital website.” Collingwood General and Marine Hospital president and CEO Nora Holder said.

Officials remind the public that if you receive this message, delete it immediately.

                                                                                                        -With files from CTV's Mike Arsalides