Cell towers in the U.K. were torched after some online trolls, and minor celebrities, peddled conspiracy theories that linked 5G communications technology to the new coronavirus.
The BBC reports that at least three 5G towers were set ablaze within the past week, with police and fire services called to extinguish the flames. Incidents in Birmingham and Liverpool are being investigated, according to the BBC.
Local authorities are dispelling rumors linking 5G technology to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
“We are aware of inaccurate information being shared online about 5G,” the U.K.’s Department of Culture, Media, and Sport tweeted on Friday. “There is absolutely no credible evidence of a link between 5G and coronavirus.”
In a separate tweet, Mobile UK, which represents the U.K.’s mobile network operators, also laced into the conspiracy theories.
“During this challenging situation, it is concerning that groups are using the #COVID19 pandemic to spread baseless theories about the safety of #5G,” it wrote. “These are not grounded in accepted scientific theory.”
In mid-March, singer Keri Hilson blamed the coronavirus outbreak on radiation caused by 5G technology. Her postings to Instagram and Twitter went viral, and many accused her of spreading misinformation about the virus.
There’s no scientific evidence linking 5G to the coronavirus pandemic, nor any immediate adverse health effects to 5G, the Verge reports. In fact, Stephen Powis, England’s chief medical director, said that 5G infrastructure is critical to both health care workers and the general population.
“I’m absolutely outraged and disgusted that people would be taking action against the infrastructure we need to tackle this emergency,” he said at a recent press conference.
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