[Internet rumor] “5G promotes virus spread” rumor spreads widely, British telecommunications engineers receive death threats

The Communication Workers Union said it had received about 120 reports of incidents, some of which involved threats of extreme violence.

Engineering staff face intimidation and harassment

According to the BBC, several engineers shared their experiences. Mike, from North Yorkshire, said he had been shouted at and filmed questioning why the so-called “death tower” was being installed. Mike said: “Someone threatened to bring a group of people back to assassinate us. Some of our colleagues were threatened that they would be shot if they did not leave.”

Sam from Plymouth said he was currently installing communications network facilities for a newly built temporary hospital. “Someone thought I was laying a 5G network and scratched my truck.” He said they would now remove the company logo on the truck and not wear company uniforms. “Some of the engineers I know have had their workplaces vandalized, with antenna poles set on fire and equipment cabinets smashed.”

The British government dismissed the rumors as nonsense

Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus pandemic around the world, various rumors have continued to emerge, including the so-called “5G promotes the spread of the virus” claim that 5G will weaken the human immune system or that the virus can spread faster through radio waves. In Birmingham, England, a 5G tower was set on fire in early April, and there was speculation that this might be related to such rumors.

Stephen Powis, medical director of NHS England, criticised the rumours in early April as rubbish and unfounded.