Claim: COVID-19 can be contracted through inanimate objects. Fact: The novel coronavirus does not survive for long on surfaces. The rapid spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus has convinced a lot of people that they can contract COVID-19 through inanimate objects as well as through direct contact with humans. Many have taken to social media […]
Claim: COVID-19 can only be transmitted through people who are showing symptoms. Fact: Those who contract the virus can also infect others while showing no symptoms themselves. On March 1st, the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azer said on ABC News that asymptomatic spread is not a major driver of the novel […]
Claim: People with blood type A are more vulnerable to COVID-19, while those with type O are less likely to catch the virus. Fact: This claim is based on a preliminary study that has not yet been peer-reviewed, therefore, the results of this study are inconclusive. There is new information regarding COVID-19 that claims that […]
Claim: COVID-19 cannot be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climate. Fact: The World Health Organisation and numerous infectious diseases specialists state that COVID-19 can indeed be transmitted in hot climates. Recently, there have been rumours that claim that the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a seasonal virus, which means that the reason […]
Claim: Drinking lots of water and gargling a mixture of warm water, vinegar and salt can eliminate COVID-19. Fact: There is no evidence to support this claim. Don’t believe everything your uncle sends to the family WhatsApp group! There has been an outpouring of misinformation and disinformation after the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in […]
CLAIM: A Whatsapp message went viral, claiming 25 students at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) are suspected to have contracted the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) by sharing a flight with 15 confirmed COVID-19 patients. FACT: No confirmed COVID-19 cases were present on the flight. All LUMS students on the flight in question have […]
The Aurat March takes place annually on 8 March, International Women’s Day. And every year, pictures of protesters holding posters are doctored to generate more backlash against the march. The Women’s March in Pakistan has managed to spark a lot of outrage across different sections of the society since it was first held 2 years […]
CLAIM: Based on an anonymous tip, a Facebook page with 93,000 followers posted an alleged witness account claiming there are 745 registered cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. FACT: According to the World Health Organisation, the most reliable source for information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19, there […]
CLAIM: Everyone should wear N95 or surgical masks at all times to protect themselves from getting infected by coronavirus (COVID-19). FACT: Unless you are caring for someone infected with COVID-19, you do not need an N95 mask. You should only wear a surgical mask if you are coughing or sneezing, or if you are in […]
Claim: Rumours are spreading on social media claiming Pakistan’s first confirmed coronavirus patient has been released from Aga Khan University Hospital. Fact: The patient is still admitted at Aga Khan University Hospital. Social media has been inundated with misinformation and disinformation since news of the 2019 Novel coronavirus outbreak spread in December 2019. On 26 […]
On 26 February 2020, the Sindh Health Department confirmed Pakistan’s first case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19. Shortly after, Special Minister to the Prime Minister for Health Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed Pakistan’s first two cases of COVID-19, assuring citizens that the situation is under control and there is no need to panic. Media […]
CLAIM: Pakistan is manufacturing a cure for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus and exporting it to China in large quantities. FACT: Although some researchers believe a drug called Chloroquine Phosphate could help treat the disease, on 20 February 2020, Dr. Janet Diaz, lead for clinical case management in the WHO Health Emergencies program, said there is […]