3 June 2025 – Singapore — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has officially addressed and debunked two misleading claims currently circulating on social media concerning COVID-19 autopsy results and new vaccination legislation in Singapore.
These claims, which have resurfaced in viral WhatsApp messages and social posts, are not only false but also potentially harmful to public trust and health governance.
False Claim 1: Autopsy Reveals COVID-19 is a Bacterium
One piece of misinformation, originally spread in 2021, alleges that Singapore was the first country to perform an autopsy on a COVID-19 victim, and that the findings revealed COVID-19 is caused not by a virus but a bacterium. The message further claims that this “discovery” changes the understanding of the disease and undermines the need for vaccines.
The MOH has firmly refuted this claim, stating that no such autopsy was ever conducted in Singapore. Moreover, the claim that COVID-19 is a bacterial infection is scientifically false. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as confirmed by global health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
False Claim 2: New Law Mandates Vaccination and Imprisons the Unvaccinated
Another rumor suggests that Singapore has passed a new law mandating COVID-19 vaccinations, and that unvaccinated individuals could face jail time. These claims are linked to conspiracy theories involving Bill Gates’ recent visit to Singapore, falsely implying he influenced local legislation.
The MOH has categorically stated that no such law exists, and no new vaccination mandates have been introduced following Mr Gates’ visit. Singapore’s vaccination strategy continues to rely on public health education, informed consent, and voluntary participation, particularly in light of the country’s high vaccine uptake and trust in medical science.
Public Urged to Stop Spreading False Information
The MOH is urging all residents to verify information through official sources, such as www.moh.gov.sg, and to refrain from forwarding or amplifying unverified claims. Misinformation not only undermines public health communication but can also lead to unnecessary panic and legal consequences under Singapore’s laws on the spread of falsehoods.
Why This Matters for Public Safety and Digital Responsibility
As Singapore continues to build resilience against future pandemics, the spread of health-related disinformation remains a serious threat to public health infrastructure, trust, and governance. With digital communication channels amplifying content at record speeds, the responsibility lies with both platform users and digital publishers to prioritize accuracy.
For readers and professionals in digital marketing, cybersecurity, and online content management, this incident underscores the critical need for robust content moderation, media literacy, and compliance with local legal frameworks, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).