City of Hamilton urges people not to joke about COVID-19 on April Fool’s Day

Every year, April 1st is the one day the world is known to get a little sillier. Family and friends play lighthearted pranks on each other, big companies release joke announcements, and news outlets share far-fetched, fake stories to fool the public.

However, April Fool’s Day certainly has a much different tone this year, as it lands right in the thick of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

While it’s true that many people could really use a laugh or two during this worldwide crisis, City of Hamilton officials warn the public that April Fool’s Day jokes related to COVID-19 should be completely off the table.

Today is April Fools Day, but COVID-19 is no laughing matter. #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/u40uLNNDlZ

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) April 1, 2020

“April 1st is April Fool’s Day, but COVID-19 is no laughing matter,” said the City of Hamilton on their social media.

While jokes and pranks of the more lighthearted variety are surely not as much of a problem today, the city is adamant that any April Fool’s jokes related to COVID-19 are intensely discouraged; today or any other day.

Potential pranksters are warned not to pretend they have the virus or any symptoms of it, fake coughing or sneezing around others, or otherwise cause any public disturbances for social media purposes.

Hopefully, Hamiltonians heed this advice and find more creative ways of having a bit of April Fool’s fun amid this unprecedented moment in time.

Lead image courtesy of @cityofhamilton

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• April
• April Fool's Day
• coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• Health
• joke
• outbreak
• pandemic
• prank
• Public Health