The UAE Attorney General has warned people against circulating false information and rumors about the spread of coronavirus in the country on social media, and to stop sharing videos showing families stocking food and other home products, stressing that it was creating unnecessary fear and panic among residents.

At a media briefing in Abu Dhabi on Monday, Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi said the UAE has taken the necessary precautionary measures to prevent and contain the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, and that people spreading rumors about the virus on social media -- deliberately or out of ignorance -- cause panic and chaos in society, and will face legal consequences.

A similar warning was issued by the UAE Ministry of Interior earlier this month.

Anyone spreading fake information and rumours on social media about coronavirus in the country will be punished according to the online law, the ministry warned, while urging people to act responsibly. Those violating online laws face jail sentences ranging from three years up to life in prison or fines that can reach up to Dh3 million, the authorities added.

Besides violating the law, people circulating such rumours exaggerating the number of cases of people infected with Covid-19 in the country trigger fear and unnecessary panic among members of society, they pointed out.

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