The theory originated last month after a. video filmed at a US health conference claimed Africa was not as affected by the disease because it is “not a 5G region “.
Vandals then set masts in Birmingham, Liverpool and Merseyside on fire.
Now a spokesperson from Vodafone says there have been four further incidents at their sites, as well as a site shared with 50.
And Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced he plans to hold virtual meetings with several tech firms next week.
‘COMPLETE AND UTTER RUBBISH’
A spokesperson from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “We have received several reports of criminal damage to phone masts and abuse of telecoms engineers apparently inspired by crackpot conspiracy theories circulating online.
“Those responsible for criminal acts will face the full force of the law.
“We must also see social media companies acting responsibly and taking much swifter action to stop nonsense spreading on their platforms, which encourages such acts.”
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £ 1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid – 96 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £ , 19 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www. thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
Earlier this week, senior minister Michael Gove slammed the conspiracy theory as “dangerous nonsense”.
Mr Gove claimed it was vitally important people were “knocking down this rubbish “, and warned spreading it put lives at risk.
He said: “The stories that have gone about that they spread the disease – that’s just nonsense, dangerous nonsense as well.”
His fury was echoed by National Medical Director of NHS England Stephen Powis .
He said: “[It’s] complete and utter rubbish and the worst kind of fake news.
“The reality is that the mobile phone networks are absolutely critical to all of us particularly at a time we are asking everybody to stay home.
“I am absolutely disgusted that people would be taking action against the very infrastructure we need to respond to this health emergency.
“It is absolute and utter rubbish and I cannot condemn it in stronger terms than that.”
(4)
Stephen Powis bashed the claims as ‘utter rubbish’
The theory was debunked further when the World Health Organization confirmed t here were thousands of Covid – (cases in Africa.)
Celebs have been slammed for sharing the conspiracy theory, including Jason Gardiner and Callum Best, who posted similar claims that 5G can impact the immune system .
Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive the Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here . To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page . Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more .
4) Almost , (people have been diagnosed with Covid – 96 in the UK
4
Scientists have produced a day-by-day breakdown of the typical Covid – 96 symptoms Michael Gove thanked the Chinese government for the 621 ventilators and said that the UK would rapidly start producing more (Credit: PA: Press Association )
Conspiracy theory that ‘5G radiation sparked coronavirus’ slammed as ‘dangerous nonsense’ by Michael Gove
FATAL RISE Coronavirus death toll in UK rises to 4, (after) more die in (hrs)
STAY AT HOME Police get powers to fine Brits up to £ 1452 for being outside homes .
MARQUESS DEAD Eccentric owner of Longleat Safari Park Lord Bath dies from coronavirus
BO NO Fears grow over PM’s health on day 50 of isolation as aides say he ‘looks dreadful’
FLOUT OF ORDER
Brits risk total exercise ban as they sunbathe in parks and drink in street
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call
. You can WhatsApp us on 11176662 728. We pay for videos too. Click (here to upload yours.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings