The Government has shut down rumours of a Covid-19 lockdown spread through a viral e-mail.

A Government spokeswoman branded the rumour “malicious nonsense” and added that there was no truth to the rumour “which seems to be spreading via a fake Government e-mail account and other social media platforms.”

The fraudulent e-mail claimed a Stay at Home order had been made because of the spread of the UK variant of Covid-19, and that residents would have to remain at home from Friday until September 2, with only essential businesses to remain open.

The spokeswoman added: “Please only rely on official health and Covid-19 related information from the Government of Bermuda’s official communication’s section, the Department of Communication.

“Again, the rumour is false and the Government encourages residents to visit www.gov.bm for the latest health information.”

A spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service said they were aware of the false claims.

The spokesman added: “The matter is now under police investigation and we urge that you should you receive the misleading message, you delete it and not forward it on.”