Mythbusters II - Beating the myths on COVID-19

by Staff Writer 09-04-2020 | 3:46 PM

COLOMBO (News1st): With rumours concerning the coronavirus circulating on social media, News1st attempted to shed light on the reality to apprise the public with the facts. This is a continuation of a series of episodes produced by News1st titled ‘Mythbusters’.

RUMOUR - Video shows bodies, claiming to be of COVID-19 victims, being thrown into sea
TRUTH - The footage is from the Libyan coast where bodies were washed ashore from a shipwreck in 2014.
RUMOUR - COVID-19 can be transmitted through mosquitoes
TRUTH - COVID-19 is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
RUMOUR - Hand dryers are effective in killing the coronavirus
TRUTH - To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
RUMOUR - Western, traditional, or home remedies can cure a person from COVID - 19
TRUTH - WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. It is important to seek medical advice and call 1999 or 1930 as soon as you experience symptoms related to COVID-19 (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath).
RUMOUR - Pets at home can spread COVID-19
TRUTH - Some media reports have shown that the coronavirus can infect our companion animals -- and more exotic species like tigers and lions -- but cases are rare. The World Health Organization states there is "no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19."
RUMOUR - Drinking warm water can help in curing or preventing a person from COVID-19
TRUTH - While drinking water has other health benefits, World Health Organization says drinking hot, warm water doesn't prevent a Covid19 infection, and nor does it cure an infection.
RUMOUR - COVID-19 is an eternal disease
TRUTH - Most of the people who catch COVID-19 can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms.
RUMOUR - Ultraviolet disinfection or UV lamps can kill the COVID-19
TRUTH - UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
RUMOUR - Taking a hot bath will prevent you from catching COVID-19.
TRUTH - The WHO says that our normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. In fact, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you