Surge in visits to Irish Covid facts site
A WEBSITE countering fake coronavirus news has been visited by more than 10,000 people asking such questions as should they microwave schoolbooks or inject disinfectant to prevent infection.
A team of researchers and medics from around the country volunteer to investigate theories sent in by the public. They only take on claims being shared widely on social media.
Project leader Elaine Finucane at
NUI Galway said each claim is rigorously checked out, with at least four people assessing the evidence before answers are posted online. Responses can be downloaded for sharing on Facebook or Twitter.
She said: ‘Some of the recent claims are people asking about putting schoolbooks in the microwave – that would be no. People need to be careful. Many books have a metal tag. This could go on fire if put in the microwave.’
The iHealth Facts website states that there is no scientific evidence doing this would disinfect a book.
The website also tackles the rumour that injecting disinfectant can protect humans against Covid-19.
The website states bluntly: ‘There is no evidence that injecting disinfectant prevents infection with or cures Covid-19… Do not under any circumstance inject, drink or inhale bleach or any other disinfectant.’
The researchers come mainly from NUI Galway but also University College Dublin, Trinity College, Limerick University, the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and Solent University in England. They are supported by GPs, pharmacists and other medical experts.