Myths surrounding the spread of coronavirus

In this disturbing and worrying time, people should be able to differentiate between myths and facts when faced with an influx of information.

Panic spread through the whole of South Africa following a speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa on measures to combat the Covid-19 epidemic on March 15.

He intensified hygiene and put in place strict measures to manage the disease and reduce the impact of the virus.

Imposed

• Limited contact between people who may be infected and South African citizens.

• A travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China.

• Cancelled visas to visitors from those countries from March 15 and previously granted visas revoked.

• Foreign nationals who have visited high-risk countries in the past 20 days to be denied a visa.

• South African citizens returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to testing and self-isolation or quarantine on return to South Africa.

• Surveillance, screening and testing measures to be strengthened at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports.

• Two of the eight sea ports will be closed for passengers and crew changes.

• Gatherings of more than 100 people to be prohibited.

• Schools to be closed earlier.

According to the Word Health Organisation (WHO) these are some of the common myths surrounding Covid-19:

• Coronavirus will not spread in hot and humid climates.

From the evidence so far, the Covid-19 virus can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with hot and humid weather.

• The flu vaccination will protect me against Covid-19.

No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine do not provide protection against the new virus.

• Only old people are susceptible.

People off all ages can be infected by Covid-19. However, older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable. These conditions may include asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

• Wearing more than one mask will help prevent infection.

Wearing thicker masks or two disposable surgical masks will not help prevent transmission of the novel coronavirus. It will only making breathing difficult.

• Drinking hot water cures coronavirus.

The novel coronavirus can be killed in water at 56ºC or higher after 30 minutes. But it’s impossible for the human body to raise its temperature to 56ºC.

The virus infects the respiratory tract of the human body rather than the digestive tract.

Drinking hot water is not only useless, but also hurts your oesophagus.

• Immune boosters will protect you against coronavirus.

There is no evidence that Vitamin C supplements can stop people from contracting Covid-19. In fact, Vitamin C does not protect one against the common cold. It does, however, help you to recover quicker from disease. So, take your vitamins, but don’t expect it to make you immune.

*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za)