WXYZ Detroit and Dr. Frank Esper of the Cleveland Clinic debunk a few common false coronavirus remedy claims: including that eating garlic or using a hand dryer can prevent the spread of the virus.
Conspiracy theories and misinformation on coronavirus, like that the virus was created for population control, or that 5G technology is spreading the virus, have spread like wildfire on social media. Platforms such as Facebook have announced measures to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation by flagging false information and directing the user to a link debunking the claim. However, it may be impossible to take down every piece of false information.
Conspiracy channels and internet trolls aren’t the only ones spreading false claims online. Several politicians from around the world have been making statements on everything from hydroxychloroquine being 100% effective against the coronavirus to saying that injecting disinfectant can kill the virus.