Isle of Wight councillors are starting to receive emails relating to coronavirus "conspiracy theories".
Speaking at the Local Outbreak Engagement Board meeting, Cllr Clare Mosdell said she has received two today (Thursday) already.
She warned that the pandemic is "really really real", revealing how her family have been affected by the illness.
She said:
"All councillors are starting to get emails relating to conspiracy theories... we are all going through our own individual battles.
"It is really difficult seeing."
She told members how her 80-year-old mother had been "hit really hard" by the virus.
She recalled how, over Christmas, an ambulance had to be called out twice due to low oxygen levels.
Her daughter also had COVID-19 over the festive period, as well as another member of her family.
Cllr Mosdell added:
"I know no one wants to walk in someone else’s shoes but you want to have a few days in my shoes just after Christmas when my mum was so desperately ill to understand how real and how scary COVID really is."
Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart agreed receiving the emails is not nice.
He said people sending them are not welcome on the Island and "we will leave those people flagging behind".
Meanwhile, some Island residents have expressed their concern over 'conspiracy' letters, relating to false information about vaccines and tests, appearing on their doorsteps.
One resident in Freshwater was left feeling anxious after the anonymous letter was posted through their door.
Conspiracy letter (please note this letter contains misinformation)