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.

14 August 2020

Health

One in six may refuse the Covid-19 vaccine

By Leo Benedictus • 2 mins

New research suggests that people were not confused by the wording of a survey last summer Read

Fact checks

13 August 2020

Can children be detained without their parents’ consent if the authorities think they have coronavirus?

By Grace Rahman • 5 mins

The government has said a parent, carer or legal guardian must be present for a Covid-19 screening to take place on a child under the Coronavirus Act, but the law itself doesn’t say this. Read

Fact checks

10 August 2020

Health

There is no proof you’re more likely to get Covid-19 if you’re tall

By Pippa Allen-Kinross • 5 mins

It was widely reported that a survey showed men over six foot tall are more likely to be infected with coronavirus. However, the research does not prove this. Read

Fact checks

10 August 2020

You were more likely to catch Covid-19 in Spain than the UK in late July.

By Abbas Panjwani • 3 mins

A viral Facebook post claims Spain had a much lower Covid-19 death toll than the UK at the end of July. That’s correct but isn’t the best way to compare the risk of getting Covid-19 in each country. Read