Debunking the myths on social media

As uncertainties about the growth and spread of the coronavirus have gripped the planet, governments and health authorities have directed what they regard as the most accurate information available to limit its spread.

Washing hands often, avoidance of touching the face, social distancing and staying home when sick remain basic advice that health professionals say should be adhered to.

But in a world of “fake news”, concerns have also been growing about a raft of unsubstantiated and downright false information spreading via the internet and social media about Covid-19.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has partnered with tech companies including Google, Facebook and Twitter, to fight bad information about the coronavirus, and its website has debunked claims about saline, antibiotics, chlorine and other substances.

Examples of misinformation and rumour include claims that gargling warm salty water, taking vitamins or heating your nasal passages will eliminate the virus or keep it from reaching your lungs.

Twitter announced tweets which promote fake treatments for the coronavirus or deny expert guidance will be marked as harmful and removed.

The platform, which has millions of active users, said content that could place people at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19 would contravene its safety rules.

It follows an announcement from Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit and YouTube earlier this week in which they committed to work together and with governments in response to the pandemic.

Social media sites and search engines have already been placing official guidance from the NHS and World Health Organisation at the top of search results.

According to the WHO the following “treatments” are among the myths:

Sipping water every 15 minutes to stop the virus entering the trachea, hot/ cold weather “kills” the virus, a hot bath and wearing rubber gloves – the virus will contaminate rubber gloves and transmith via face touching.