Fact Checker (former)
Health
A viral video claims surgical masks are “no good” as they don’t offer complete protection to the wearer. Evidence shows masks still have benefits. Read
Economy, Business & Finance
The Conservative London mayoral candidate claimed Sadiq Khan’s decision to raise the congestion charge was his own. It was essentially a requirement of a government bailout package. Read
Health
NHS staff survey data suggests the average respondent in 2019 worked around two hours unpaid overtime. Even this should be taken with a pinch of salt. Read
Misinformation claiming a malicious WhatsApp video called Dance of the Pope will install software and format your phone has been going viral since at least 2015. Read
Health
The Prime Minister suggested that grandparents could bubble with the household of their grandchildren. This isn’t always allowed. Read
This was claimed in an article when the rise has actually been since last year. Read
The number of mobile phone subscriptions in China fell by 21 million between December and February. This doesn’t mean 21 million have died. Read
Health
The PM claimed all tests at regional sites and mobile units were processed within 24 hours. New data shows, at the time, only 19% and 5% of tests respectively were processed within 24 hours. Read
Education
Barnardo’s has seen a 44% increase in the number of children referred from councils to be placed in foster care during the pandemic. Read
Also, claims that the polio vaccine paralysed thousands of children are based on shaky evidence. Read
