Pandemic pranks off the table on April Fools’ Day

A woman her protective face mask balances her large-sized cup while watching her smartphone in Taipei. Taiwan, which has been held up as a model for how to tackle an outbreak, warned people who spread false rumours that they faced up to three years in jail and a TW$3mil fine (RM431,147). — AP

TAIPEI: It may be the global day for pranks but with the world under assault from the deadly coronavirus pandemic many governments on April 1 were warning against virus-themed April Fools' jokes – some even threatening jail.

The April 1 tradition sees families, web users and corporations embrace practical jokes.