Coronavirus: Twitter directs users searching for information about deadly virus to official websites amid lies and rumours

UK user will now be sent to government accounts

A disinfection worker wearing protective gears spray anti-septic solution in an train amid rising public concerns over the spread of China's Wuhan Coronavirus at SRT train station on January 24, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Twitter has started directing people looking for information about coronavirus to official websites, amid false rumours and lies.

The social network's new update is just the latest attempt to quell the anxiety and confusion created by the vast amount of misinformation being spread about the disease.

Twitter said the tool was being used to try and ensure that people are being sent to correct, authoritative information about the virus and its spread.

When searching for the term "coronavirus" on the site, users are presented with a link to the Department of Health and Social Care website and its official Twitter account, where official updates are issued.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Public safety is our top priority and as this is a rapidly evolving situation, it's absolutely crucial everyone is able to access reliable, accurate information on coronavirus.

"I welcome that Twitter is taking action to direct users to official Government health advice, helping to tackle misinformation and ensure the public is well informed.

"This action is hugely important, and I want to see more social media companies follow their lead.

"I want to stress there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and we have world-leading clinicians and expert teams working to protect UK patients and staff to the highest standards possible."

Twitter said the tool had been introduced in response to increasing online discussion about the virus outbreak.

"Given the rapidly evolving nature of the issue and the growing international response, we've launched a new dedicated search prompt to ensure that when you come to the service for information about the coronavirus, you're met with credible, authoritative information first," the company said in a blog post on the feature.

The number of cases of coronavirus has jumped to 7,711, with 170 deaths.

India confirmed its first case on Thursday, as did the Philippines.

In the UK, 161 people have tested negative for the virus as of Thursday.

An evacuation flight to bring British nationals back to the UK from the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak will leave on Thursday night, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said.

Additional reporting by agencies