Covid-19 is not the same as a common cold
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses which include those which cause the common cold, SARS and Covid-19. Read
Fact checks
Covid-19 fact checks
This page brings together Full Fact’s fact checks on Covid-19, covering common claims, vaccine safety and efficacy, symptoms, treatments, government policies, and misinformation. We review evidence, correct errors, and monitor evolving science to help you make informed decisions.
Health
Twitter poll results don’t show ‘wide support’ for Thailand’s travel policy
An article in The Independent claims majority support for Thailand’s decision to admit vaccinated travellers. But Twitter polls mean nothing. Read
Fact checks
Health
Social media video makes false claims about Covid-19
These include common falsehoods that mRNA vaccines will change your DNA (they won’t) and that the vaccines aren’t safe and effective (they are). Read
Fact checks
Lateral flow tests are not unsafe
Posts on social media are wrong to warn that the ethylene oxide used to sterilise some Covid-19 tests makes them dangerous. Read
Fact checks
Viral instagram video falsely claims Covid-19 was planned
A video falsely claims Covid-19 has been planned and its vaccine kills. Read
Fact checks
Health
Is there a precedent for mandatory vaccines for care home workers?
Some healthcare workers are required by their employers to have the Hepatitis B vaccine, but it's not a specific law. Read
Fact checks
Health
Inaccurate Covid vaccine ‘Q&A’: fact checked
A Covid-19 Q&A graphic has been widely shared on social media. It makes lots of inaccurate claims about the vaccines. Read
Fact checks
Travel to Spain requires negative Covid test
It doesn’t appear as if confirmation of vaccination will be mandatory, though Spain is planning on introducing vaccination passports. Read
Fact checks
Oranges don’t test positive for Covid-19
A post on Facebook claims an orange tested positive for coronavirus using a lateral flow test. Read
Fact checks
Health
Unevidenced claims about the AstraZeneca vaccine on social media
A Facebook post made unevidenced claims about blood clots and the AstraZeneca vaccine. Read
Fact checks
Evidence you can rely on
Fact checking claims made by politicians, public figures and viral online content can give you the full picture backed by the evidence.
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