The World Health Organization “unequivocally” declared that South Africa was not ready to lift the national Covid-19 lockdown.
Source: Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Economic Freedom Fighters member of parliament (30 June 2020)
There is no evidence of the WHO making this statement. The organisation says it only provides guidance but governments have to make their own decisions.
Three claims about sickle cell disease.
Source: TVC News (19 June 2020)
One correct, two incorrect
34,000 hospital beds in South Africa are being taken up by alcohol-related cases.
Source: Bheki Cele, South African minister of police (June 2020)
An unpublished study estimated there were 11,750 alcohol-related trauma admissions per week after the alcohol ban was lifted.
Nigeria has discovered a Covid-19 vaccine
Source: Several Nigerian media publications (June 2020)
What the researchers said they have is a potential candidate for a vaccine, and which stills needs to go through several steps that could take months
Depo-Provera increases women’s risk of HIV infection by 40%.
Source: Twitter (March and April 2020)
A major study published in 2019 found that women using Depo-Provera had a risk of HIV infection no higher than 30%, compared to other contraceptives.
Inhaling steam over 100°C will “disintegrate” the coronavirus, because it is “fat”.
Source: Tanzanian president John Magufuli (22 April 2020)
There is no scientific evidence that very high temperatures or inhaling steam “kills” Covid-19.
Alcohol weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections such as Covid-19.
Source: South African government on Twitter (2 April 2020)
Several studies have shown that alcohol use, particularly the binge drinking common in South Africa, reduces the body’s ability to fight infection.
Two claims about rape statistics in South Africa
Source: Advocacy organisation Rape Crisis (February 2020)
One unproven, one misleading
Meat with bubbles and white spots is infected with tuberculosis, and dangerous to eat.
Source: WhatsApp message
White spots in meat are a sign that the animal had TB, but infected meat is unlikely to be sold in formal markets and is safe to eat if thoroughly cooked.
The global spread of the Covid-19 disease has led to unprecedented measures around the world. But spreading almost as fast has been misinformation. [LAST UPDATED: 11 NOV 2020]