There was the worst news possible for health officials fearing a mutation of the Coronavirus today, as it emerged that the virus had managed to infect an online satirical news website, sending contributors into a panic.
TheSpoof.com reported it was experiencing problems on Friday morning, by which time Covid-19 had somehow managed to travel cross-specie from humans to computers, and had interrupted the steady flow of made-up news items that few people ever read.
Content published on or after 27 February attracted only a trickle of interest, as Covid-19 got about its dirty business, before activity dried up completely.
This caused consternation amongst one writer.
Staff tried to resolve the problem, but have, thus far, been unsuccessful. The problem may turn out to be long term.
TheSpoof.com owner, Mark Lowton, made a statement urging contributors to take extra precautions when trying to access the site. He said:
"We don't really know what we're dealing with yet. My advice is, wash your hands both before and after logging-on, and wear a face mask. Also, a surgical gown, if you have one."
He added:
"It's quite possible that normal service might not be resumed."
