7 Rumours About COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a level of hysteria, panic and fear in people that can sometimes lead to misinformation.  The constant blast of news and coverage about COVID-19 can cause people to go to great lengths to avoid others and protect those closest to them. It also causes information to be connected to fear and not fact. Forcing people to spread false information and potentially cause others to take unnecessary action or not take any at all. 

There are many rumors surrounding COVID-19, and due to the fact that we are currently in uncertain times, we can be quick to react out of fear and not out of fact or reality. Not everything we hear is true, sometimes our information gets mixed up and is portrayed through rumors. 

Here are seven rumors about COVID-19, and the truth behind them.

Is FEMA Seizing Medical Supplies? 

Fact: FEMA is not seizing or taking personal protective equipment (PPE) from state or local governments, hospitals, or anyone lawfully engaged in acquiring or distributing PPE. If a hospital or medical facility believes that this is happening to them they should report it to their local governor or mayor, it will then be brought to the FEMA Region. 

Is 5G Cell Phone Technology Linked to The Cause of COVID-19?

Fact: A worldwide online conspiracy theory has attempted to link 5G cell phone technology as being one of the causes of the coronavirus. Many cell towers outside of the U.S. have been set on fire as a result.  5G technology does NOT cause coronavirus.

Do I Need A Photo ID to Be Tested For COVID-19 At A Community Based Testing Center (CBTS)?

Fact: To determine if you are a first responder or healthcare worker you will need to provide your official workplace photo ID in order to be priority tested for COVID-19 at a Community Based Testing Center (CBTS).  

I Got a Call, Text, or Email Saying I Could Get Financial Help. Is It Legitimate?

Fact: There have been reports that scammers are pretending to be the government, contacting people by robocall, text message, email and other outreach. These scammers say they can get people financial help during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then ask for money or personal information, like your Social Security, bank account or credit card number. This is a SCAM. 

Are There Any Vaccines to Prevent or Medicines to Treat COVID-19?

Fact: Currently, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs specifically for the treatment of COVID-19. Researchers are studying new drugs, and drugs that are already approved for other health conditions, as possible treatments for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information for health care providers about these potential treatments.

Are Older People and Those with Existing Conditions the Only Ones at Risk For COVID-19?

Fact: Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of serious illness. But anyone can become sick, and symptoms can range from mild to severe regardless of how old you are or if you have other medical conditions.

Should I Stock Up on Food and Supplies?

Fact: Families should only buy what is needed, stocking up on food and supplies for weeks and months can lead to food shortages and cause other families to suffer. Consumer demand has been exceptionally high, especially for groceries, cleaning supplies and healthcare products. Supply chains have been disrupted, but stores need time to restock.

This pandemic can be frightening and the stats can become overwhelming. What helps is to trust reliable sources of information and not believe everything that comes across your news feed. We have been through this before, but nothing in our history has caused us to come together to an extent like this, not as individuals, not as race, not as culture, but as one. We are all going through this and our resilience, knowledge and advancements will ensure we come out on top. Stay Safe! Stay Healthy!