Debunking Some Coronavirus Myths

1. True or false: Social distancing means I must stay away from people — but I can still take a walk and ride my bike.

True: Social distancing means reducing close contact with people — for example, avoiding shaking hands, joining crowds and staying at home if feeling sick. It is an important mechanism to help slow down the spread of coronavirus. This, however, does not stop you from taking walks or riding your bike –– as long as this is not against your local government advice, and you keep a minimum one-metre distance from people.

2. True or false: The virus was created in a lab to minimise the global population.

False: There is no evidence that the virus was man-made. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals and have now made the jump to humans. It is believed that the source of the coronavirus is a market in China which sold dead and live animals.

3. True or false: I can’t receive packages or use products made in areas which have COVID-19.

False: The risk of catching the virus from a package that has been moved around and exposed to different conditions is low.

Debunking Some Coronavirus Myths

Though it is not certain how long the virus survives on surfaces, studies suggest that it may persist for a few hours or up to several days. If you believe a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself.

4. Taking a hot bath will cure COVID-19 because ...

a. The virus only survives in the cold therefore an increase in body temperature helps to eliminate it.

b. Hot water kills germs including potential infections picked up from the day.
c. None of the above.

This is not true. The human body temperature will remain an average of 36.5°C (97.7°F) regardless of the water temperature. The most effective way to protect yourself against coronavirus is to follow experts who are advising frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water and avoiding close contact with people.

5. True or false: If you can hold your breath for more than 10 seconds without coughing or any discomfort, you don’t have the virus.

False: Having contracted a viral infection can make it difficult to take a deep breath because the airways are irritated. But this is no way to diagnose the health of one's lungs or infections. If you have the common symptoms — fever, tiredness, and dry cough — or have come into contact with anyone who has the virus, contact your local health authority and follow their advice.

6. You’re very likely to die if you contract COVID-19.

a. Everyone who has contracted the virus has died after 15 days of isolation.

b. There is no medicine to prevent or treat the virus which makes it impossible to recover.

c. None of the above. About 80% of people who contract the virus recover from it without needing special treatment. Approximately 1 in 6 people who are infected become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing. Individuals with underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure or heart problems are more likely to develop serious illness.

7. True or false: I may have the virus if I have the following symptoms: fever, dry cough, and tiredness...

True: The most common symptoms of the virus are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. A smaller number of people may experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea while others may test positive without being unwell. It is important to follow the outlined precautions and seek medical care early to avoid severe infections.