A viral message claiming an Irish hospital is urging motorists to wear disposable gloves while filling up with petrol has been debunked.
The message posted on Facebook and messaging service WhatsApp claims Galway University Hospital is circulating a warning about petrol pumps.
"COVID-19 seems to be spreading quickly via petrol pumps! They have asked people to wear disposable gloves or use a paper towel when filling up and dispose of straight away. Please share this vital info," reads the message.
But the Saolta University Health Group, the health organisation which oversees the hospital, told news website TheJournal.ie they had issued "no such advice".
Ireland's chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan also said the message was fake.
"Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, there's no need to wear masks or gloves routinely," he told media on Friday.
The Irish Petroleum Industry Association has also dismissed the message.
"Our workers regularly wash and sanitise their hands and the areas customers interact with such as fuel nozzles, credit card PIN pads, door handles and food areas," said a spokesperson.
