The deadly coronavirus, officially known as Covid-19 and originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, Hubei province at the end of December 2019, has already spread to at least 80 countries and territories outside of mainland China. From the virus, there have been now over 3,200 deaths and more than 92,000 cases across the world, the vast majority in mainland China.
As the virus and panic related to it are spreading beyond China, so are bogus claims, conspiracy theories and misinformation about the disease doing the rounds online. As a result, the World Health Organization had to come and interfere calling it an ‘Infodemic’.
The myths and misinformation spreading online about the coronavirus and facts against them are given below :
Myth 1: Coronavirus is man-made
Fact : Scientists in both China and the West have widely dismissed these theories, though that hasn’t stopped them from spreading. Experts are still trying to figure out the exact source of the virus, but research indicates that it likely originated in bats and was transmitted to an intermediate host before jumping to people — just like its cousin that caused the 2003 SARS epidemic.
Myth 2: Home remedies can cure or prevent the virus
Fact : There’s currently no cure for the novel coronavirus. And while research is underway, it could be more than a year before a vaccine becomes available.
The best way to protect yourself right now is to do what you would every cold and flu season. Stay at least three feet away from anyone who may be infected. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue that you throw away immediately after. And disinfect the objects and surfaces you touch. If you have symptoms that feel worse than a common cold, seek treatment early.
Myth 3 : You need to wear a mask
Fact or reality : People who are well do not need to wear face masks, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Face masks should instead be worn by those who have the coronavirus and are showing symptoms, in order to protect others from being infected. Source : CNN
