There’s been a lot of discussion over whether 5G causes coronavirus and now the World Health Organization (WHO) recently came out to deny the claim. At the same time, reminding the general public of some of the other myths surrounding the global pandemic.
Coronavirus is a serious issue. One that requires accurate information to be relayed to the general public to help protect themselves against the outbreak. However, ever since taking hold in many countries, there’s been an increase in the level of online misinformation on the virus. This has also included suggestions that 5G is the cause of COVID-19 with some even attempting to link the origin and rollout of 5G with the origin and spread of coronavirus.
The WHO recently updated its COVID-19 advice page to highlight the ongoing 5G debate. Specifically, the WHO says that “viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks.” The use of the word “viruses” would seem to indicate the WHO is attempting to subtly highlight how coronavirus is not any different to any other virus in terms of 5G. Furthermore, the section goes on to explain that coronavirus is now active and spreading in many countries, including those “that do not have 5G mobile networks.” The section concludes by reiterating the fact that COVID-19 spreads via respiratory droplets, and can be contracted when someone who has the virus coughs, sneezes or speaks. Or by an individual touching a surface contaminated with coronavirus and then touching their own eyes, nose or mouth.
5G Is Not The Only Coronavirus Myth
While 5G causing coronavirus has stolen many of the headlines lately, it is not the only myth surrounding the pandemic and the same WHO page looks to provide answers on many other questions that the general public might have. For example, the WHO explains that sun or exposure to higher temperatures (including taking a hot bath) does not prevent the virus, and that it can be spread in countries with hotter and more humid climates. Conversely, COVID-19 is not vulnerable to colder weather, and alcohol, garlic, or hand dryers are not adequate ways to protect yourself from the outbreak. Furthermore, holding your breath for 10 seconds without coughing is not going to be a reliable way to check for symptoms.
The answers listed above represent just a small portion of those provided on the WHO’s myth-busting page, which goes to highlight just how much misinformation now surrounds the outbreak. While it is important for people to have access to as much information on the pandemic as possible, it is equally important that the information is reputable and useful. Although misinformation is not a new problem, and will persist after the curve has been flattened, spreading coronavirus misinformation is particularly dangerous considering the virus has the potential to be fatal.
Source: WHO