The highly contagious virus, novel coronavirus has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus has spread in more than 100 countries, and till now, the worldwide death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surged past 5,000 with the total infected cases also rising to more than 140,000. India, as of 14th March, has witnessed 2 deaths and 83 confirmed coronavirus cases.

Amid the outbreak, social media is flooded with a number of dubious coronavirus tips, claiming to prevent or cure coronavirus infection. World Health Organisation is constantly debunking these claiming and advising people to believe in them. We have compiled the tweets by the World Health Organization (WHO) down below.

CLAIM 1

Coronavirus can be cured by 'antibiotics'.

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The 2019-nCoV is a virus, thus, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

CLAIM 2 

Coronavirus only infects older people.

Covid 19 can infect people of all age group, however, older people & those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

CLAIM 3 

Pets can also be infected by Coronavirus.

As of now, there was no evidence that animals such as dogs or cats could be infected with the virus. However, there has been one instance of a dog is suspected to have been infected in Hong Kong. 

Tthe WHO advises washing hands with soap and water soap and after contact with pets.

CLAIM 4

Letters and Packages from China can also spread the virus.

No, letters and packages from China cannot spread the virus as Covid 19 does not survive long on objects. 

CLAIM 5

Drinking good amount of water can prevent Covid 19 infection.

No, drinking water cannot prevent Covid 19 infection, however, water keeps one hydrated so it can improve the overall health. 

CLAIM 6 

Coronavirus cannot survive in high temperatures. 

Coronavirus has spread in countries with both hot and humid climates, as well as cold and dry. Till now, there is no study confirming that Covid 19 cannot survive in a hot climate. 

CLAIM 7 

Washing nose with saline helps in preventing the infection.

As of now, there is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.

Some other claims

Cow urine and cow dung cure Coronavirus.

At present, there is no cure for Covid19 infection. There is no scientific evidence to prove that cow urine and cow dung can cure Covid19 infection. 

We have also busted some of the misinformation related to Coronavirus in one of our previous articles.

FACT CHECK: Busting some of the viral fake news related to deadly Coronavirus

As of now,  there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. However, the WHO advised people to take some precautions like, washing hands regularly with soap and water, maintaining social distance, in order to prevent its spread.