KAROO NEWS - From the coronavirus-combating garlic to killing Covid-19 with alcohol - we've all received mis- and disinformation currently circulating online.
As your local news provider, the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser has a duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. Group Editors, through its publications and online platforms, is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth to keep you adequately informed.
Our newsroom follows a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol, and a national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Here are a few Covid-19 myths busted, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO):
Garlic prevents coronavirus: False
The virus isn't a vampire. Although garlic has some antimicrobial properties, WHO says there is no evidence that eating garlic will protect you from the virus.
I'm young so I won't get it: False
People of all ages can be infected with Covid-19, although older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions appear more vulnerable to becoming ill. People of all ages are advised to take steps to protect them from the virus.
Covid-19 can't affect me if I spray my body with alcohol: False
Spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. WHO advises that such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes, such as in your eyes or mouth.
These substances can be used to disinfect surfaces, but need to be used according to the instructions.
The virus can't survive in heat: False
According to WHO, evidence thus far shows that Covid-19 can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with hot and humid weather. No matter where you live or what the climate is, adopt protective measures.
OK, but will cold weather kill the virus? False
WHO says there is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill Covid-19 (or other diseases for that matter). The normal human body temperature remains between around 36 and 37 degrees.
A hot bath will kill the virus: False
The temperature has nothing to do with it, as mentioned above.
A mosquito can transmit Covid-19: False
According to WHO, there is no evidence to date to suggest that you can get Covid-19 from a mosquito bite. The virus is respiratory, which spreads primarily through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
I should wash my hands regularly: True
Covid-19 spreads when mucus or droplets containing the virus get into your body through your eyes, nose or throat.
This usually happens through your hands. Wash your hands with soaps for at least 20 seconds to eliminate traces of the virus. Remember to include the back of your hand, between fingers and under nails.
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Group Editors (publications and online platforms) is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
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