ACT Police are calling on the public for information after letters with false claims about COVID-19 were distributed in Garran and Watson earlier this month.

Some Garran residents reported receiving the flyer in their mailboxes on 17 July, while it is believed a similar letter was also distributed to letterboxes in Watson on 21 July.

The letters made several claims including the virus could be spread through Canberra’s water supply and a vaccine would include a human tracking device.

ACT Policing’s COVID-19 Taskforce Commander, Detective Superintendent Jason Kennedy, called on the public to come forward with any information that may assist an investigation.

“The ACT Government has a dedicated website containing extensive information for the public and a COVID-19 hotline (6207 7244) to address any concerns members of the community may have,” he said.

“We are calling for any witnesses who may have seen someone in these areas distributing these letters. We urge residents in the Garran and Watson areas to check their CCTV or dash-cam footage for any video that may assist with this investigation.

“At this time ACT Policing is aware of these letters being distributed in two suburbs, however, anyone who has received one anywhere in the ACT should let us know about it.”

Many conspiracies have surrounded the COVID-19 pandemic globally, as some protesters have taken to the streets to claim the virus is not real or is linked to new 5G technology.

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith had previously said she had encountered conspiracy theory comments on social media.

Anyone with information on the matter has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers and quote the reference 6578529.