Health
How the government performed on its autumn testing targets
One target was met before it was announced. The data has not been published that would let us check the other. Read
Analysis
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
Boris Johnson makes an error about quarantine payments
It is £500 for the whole period of self-isolation, not £500 per week. Read
Fact checks
Health
Ordinary colds and flu aren’t the reason for rising Covid-19 cases
We are not mistaking normal autumn illness for a “second wave” Read
Fact checks
Challenging someone for not wearing a face mask isn’t against the Equality Act
It has been claimed on social media that challenging someone who is not wearing a face covering could result in a fine. Read
Fact checks
A Covid-19 diagnostic test won’t pick up other coronaviruses
Antibody tests which detect whether someone had Covid-19 in the past may pick up antibodies to other coronaviruses. Read
Fact checks
Health
Serco didn’t build and does not run the NHS Test and Trace app
Serco has been contracted during the pandemic to assist with facilities management and contact tracing call centres. Read
Fact checks
Health
It’s wrong to say that only 3% of Covid-19 cases are caused by restaurants and pubs
This is a misreading of data on the number of outbreaks or clusters identified by Public Health England. Read
Fact checks
Covid-19 has killed more people than obesity in the UK this year
An Instagram post compares recent Covid-19 and obesity mortality rates which are not representative of the wider picture. Read
Fact checks
Health
How quickly is the outbreak growing?
Government scientists warned that new cases could double every week, which some people say is not realistic. Read
Fact checks
People did die of Covid-19 in Ireland in August
A viral post compares the number of deaths from cancer, suicide, alcohol and Covid-19 in Ireland, but it gets a lot wrong. Read
Fact checks
