No nationwide school shutdown, Ministry warns against fake notice

The Ministry of Education has dismissed a widely circulated “School Closure Notice – Hantavirus Precautionary Measures” as fake, warning the public against spreading misinformation that has caused confusion among students, parents, and school communities.

In a public statement, the Ministry confirmed that the document currently circulating on social media was neither issued nor endorsed by the Ministry and should be disregarded immediately.

Authorities stressed that all official announcements will only be released through verified government platforms and recognised media outlets.

The fake notice falsely claims that all schools would close nationwide from May 18 to May 22, 2026, due to hantavirus concerns.

However, the Ministry has clarified that no such directive exists and there is no official nationwide school closure in place.

Officials are urging the public to act responsibly by verifying information before sharing, warning that the spread of false notices can trigger unnecessary panic and disrupt school operations.

The Ministry added that misinformation of this nature undermines public trust and may create avoidable fear among families, particularly when it involves student safety and health concerns.

Where the Notice Gets Its Right

• Correct Ministry location and verified address
• Official Republic of Fiji crest and proper logo
• Consistent government formatting and colour scheme
• Clear, professional layout and structure
• Authorized signature and identifiable designation
• Released only through official government channels

Where The Fake Notice Gets Its Wrong

• Location error
• Mentions “Tamavua-i-Wai House, Level 4, Suva” but formatting and presentation are incorrect and inconsistent with official documents
• Logo issues
• Displays a distorted Ministry of Education logo that does not match official government branding

Colour inconsistencies

• Uses non-standard shades of blue and design blocks not used in real notices
• Poor document structure
• Headings, spacing, and alignment appear unprofessional and uneven
• The wrong stamp, wrong location, and poor formatting clearly expose the notice as fake.