Fact check your information with FEMA's Coronavirus Rumor Control

Mar 25 2020, 6:44 pm

In the past few weeks, various rumors have been spreading around regarding COVID-19.

We’ve heard that tonic water may help keep the virus away, that taking sips of hot water every five to ten minutes will wash the virus out of your stomach, and even a well-believed myth that youngsters are invincible to coronavirus — none of which have been proven.

As a way to combat the spread of false news, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has set up a Coronavirus Rumor Control page, in order to put a stop to false information.

According to the Coronavirus Rumor Control page, “Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to stop the spread of disinformation by doing three easy things; don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along, and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts.”

The page is being constantly updated, and currently debunks the following six myths:

  • No, hantavirus is not the next coronavirus.
  • No, there is no national lockdown in place at the moment.
  • No, FEMA has not deployed military assets.
  • No, you should not be stockpiling groceries.
  • No, the US Government is not currently mailing checks in response to coronavirus.
  • No, it is not just those over 60 years of age getting infected.

It is becoming increasingly important to recognize false information and to continue referring back to reputable news sources or US government websites such as the CDC.

For additional fact-checked coronavirus updates, click here

Alyssa TherrienAlyssa Therrien

+ News
+ Coronavirus
ADVERTISEMENT