This theory, which circulates without any documentation, has intensified in Britain, but has been reported by internet users in many other countries. When asked by a journalist to comment on the theory of how 5G could play a role in the spread of the disease, Secretary Michael Gove said: "This is just nonsense and dangerous nonsense."
Some mobile phone antennas have been vandalized in recent days and staff at telecommunications companies have been verbally attacked. An incendiary attack on an antenna installation in Birmingham owned by BT, Britain's largest telecommunications company, has caused significant damage. It provided 2G, 3G and 4G services to thousands of people, but did not have 5G capability, the company said.
Medical director Stephen Powis said in a fit of rage that the idea of the 5G conspiracy was false and unscientific. "The story with 5G is complete rubbish, it is nonsense, it is the worst kind of fake news," Powis said. "The reality is that mobile networks are absolutely critical for all of us."
"These are the telephone networks used by our emergency services and health workers, and I'm absolutely outraged and frustrated that people are turning against the very infrastructure we need to use in this state of health," Powis said.
A group of UK mobile operators - including the EU, O2, Vodafone and Three - said they were aware of the false rumors linking 5G to the pandemic and that telecommunications personnel had been threatened.