The Infodemic – March 20

Fake news about the coronavirus can do real harm. Polygraph.info is spotlighting fact-checks from many sources here​.Daily Debunk”COVID-19: Further Evidence that the Virus Originated in the US​”- Article published on the website of the Centre for Research on GlobalizationVerdict: FalseRead the full story at: USA Today Social Media Disinfo​Claim circulating on social media: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said “migrants and illegals” in Malaysia were resisting COVID-19 test over fears of arrest.Verdict: FalseRead the full story: “UNHCR condemns fake nfotice which claimed refugees in Malaysia are resisting COVID-19 tests​” — Agence France-Presse Factual Reads on Coronavirus​​Can’t Get Tested? Maybe You’re in the Wrong Country​.​
Scientists say the chasm between the testing haves and have-nots reflects politics, public health strategies and, in some cases, blunders​.
— New York Times, March 20Coronavirus Death Rate in Wuhan Lower Than Initial Estimates, New Study Finds​.
“The study, published Thursday in the journal Nature Medicine, found that the death rate among people who had symptoms was 1.4% in Wuhan, China, as of Feb. 29. That rate is lower than previous estimates of mortality rates for Covid-19, the disease caused by the new virus, in Wuhan and China overall​.”
— Wall Street Journal, March 19​  
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