SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah National Guard is quashing a rumor circulating on social media that its troops will be dispatched to enforce a nationwide two-week lockdown — and it's not the first time.
"This FAKE graphic has been making its rounds on social media again," the Guard wrote on Twitter.
The graphic claims that the president will evoke the "Stafford Act" — likely referring to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act — and will order a two-week mandatory quarantine for the whole country with all businesses closed. The Guard reiterates that this, along with the other information in the image, is "categorically false."
"We addressed it in April and it is as FAKE now as it was then. Any help you can provide in dispelling unfounded rumors would be helpful to us all," the Guard said.
The flier also claims (again, falsely) that first responders and the U.S. military will join Guard members to protect against looting and rioting. It also encourages people to "stock up" on essential items, which could lead to panic-buying and shortages when there is no need to do so.
ATTENTION:
This FAKE graphic has been making its rounds on social media again. This information is categorically false. We addressed it in April and it is as FAKE now as it was then. Any help you can provide in dispelling unfounded rumors would be helpful to us all. pic.twitter.com/rXMY72nexA— Utah National Guard (@UTNationalGuard) January 12, 2021
