The International Telecommunications Union, ITU, has dismissed reports linking 5G and the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies.
The Body coordinates the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promotes international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and assists in the development and coordination of worldwide technical standards
According to a statement released on its website, ITU said, “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a threat to humanity and the first pandemic in human history where information technology and social media are being used on a massive scale to help cope with and respond to the disease.
“But if these technologies have helped keep people safe, productive and connected during this unprecedented crisis, they have also spread fear and confusion about COVID-19.
To tackle this issue and overcome the spread of COVID-19, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged us to promote facts and science over despair and division.
“As claims linking 5G technology and the spread of COVID-19 are mounting, ITU stands on the side of science and makes it clear that such claims have no scientific basis whatsoever”.
Bringing trusted news and facts about COVID-19 is paramount. “Now, more than ever, information technology is vital to our economy, health, and safety. And ITU, as the UN specialized agency for information and communication technologies, will continue to leverage these technologies to help defeat COVID-19 and make us safer, stronger, and more connected,” said ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao.
