Social media fuels petrol pump myth

A HOAX social media message shared by millions of people is wrongly warning that the virus is being spread by people touching petrol pumps.

The message, shared widely on Twitter and WhatsApp, claims that NHS officials had told staff that the ‘virus seems to be spreading quickly via petrol pumps’.

Coronavirus can survive on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, but a public health spokesman said: ‘Petrol pumps are no worse than other surfaces, although we do recommend people use gloves and wash their hands after using them.’

Social media sites have been awash with false information and scaremongering about Covid-19. Some of the more damaging stories include ‘miracle cures’ for the virus such as drinking industrial bleach or urine.

Rumours that the virus was created or spread deliberately have already led to reported attacks on Chinese nationals in the UK.