With the vast body of unreliable information and lessons of the so-called ‘WhatsApp University’ in circulation, here are some COVID-19 myths, busted.
- Myth: Heat or hot weather will kill the virus:
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed heat is effective for killing the virus and that it would disappear with the onset of warmer weather. There is no truth to this and the World Health Organisation (WHO) clearly stated: “From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather”. Using hairdryers to ‘disinfect your hands’ is also not effective in killing the virus.
- Myth: Coronavirus is a man-made biological weapon:
There have been conspiracies that the virus is everything from a lab experiment gone wrong, to a Chinese plan for world domination. There is no evidence that the Coronavirus is a man-made disease, even though some people claim that certain books and TV shows ‘predict’ it.
- Myth: Gaumutra (cow urine) and Gobar (cow-dung) kill the virus:
Assam BJP MLA Suman Haripriya advised that spraying Gaumutra purifies an area while Hindu Mahasabha President Swami Chakrapani has said a person who consumes cow urine, chant “Om Namah Shivay” and applies cow dung on their body, will be saved from the deadly virus. Even Amazon is selling a hand sanitizer by a brand named ‘Cowpathy’, which is described as “Distilled Cow Urine, obtained from Indigenous cows is gelled with aromatic essential oil and Ganga Jal”. While there are religious beliefs behind these, no scientific connection has been made to show either kills the Coronavirus.
- Myth: Avoid anyone with ‘East-Asian’ features:
It is sad that this even needs to be said, but with several cases of harassment faced by foreign nationals and even people hailing from the North-Eastern states of India, it is important people realise the diversity of the country and not use the Coronavirus to express their racism. If you do believe this one, do keep a distance. These people will appreciate you keeping your racist selves away.
- Myth: It’s all in your head!
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath stated that if one was to overcome their “mental illness”, then they could “avoid diseases such as blood pressure, heart attack, kidney failure, liver issues, and even the coronavirus”. No, the ‘Western media’ and ‘leftist media outlets’ are not manipulating you into panicking and buying masks, sanitisers, and medicines, all for the benefit of Big Pharma. COVID-19 is real and so is mental health. With the lockdown taking a toll on the mental health of many, help is there if you need it.
- Myth: You should avoid drinking Corona Beer:
A study revealed that 38% of Americans wouldn’t buy Corona “under any circumstances” because of the outbreak. As stupid as it sounds, no Corona Beer has nothing to do with the Coronavirus.
- Myth: Disassociate from everything Chinese:
Surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt Chinese businesses with people avoiding Chinese eating joints. No, momos and chowmein (prepared hygienically) aren’t going to give you Coronavirus. People have also been concerned about receiving packages from China but with the low survivability of the virus on these surfaces over an extended period, there is no cause for concern.
- Myth: If a WhatsApp message titled “!!!VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM UNESCO!!!” says so, it must be true.
With the honest and hard-working ‘journalists’ of India under attack by ‘leftist goons’ and ‘anti-nationals’ and the corrupt ‘Western Media’ trying to ruin India’s image with ‘fake news’ like communal violence and gross negligence in the capital, some people have resorted to WhatsApp for up to date news and information. Do not believe that ‘UNESCO Notice’ or any forwards from that ‘woke’ uncle on the family group chat. Information is readily available on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website and Government sources.
Featured Image Credits: New York Post
Tashi Dorjay Sherpa