Health
Event 201 didn’t predict the Covid-19 pandemic
Event 201 was an event organised in October 2019 to simulate what might happen if there was a “high-level” pandemic. 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.
Figure comparing arena capacity to Covid-19 deaths needs context
There have been around 21,000 deaths in UK hospitals of people who’ve tested positive for the new coronavirus. Read
Fact checks
UK branches of McDonald’s did not reopen on 27 April
A Facebook post has incorrectly claimed that McDonald’s branches in the UK reopened on Monday 27 April. Read
Fact checks
Fake stories wrongly claim Elisa Granato, one of the UK's first Covid-19 vaccine trial participants, has died
False news reports wrongly claim that Dr Elisa Granato, one of the first participants in a UK Covid-19 vaccine trial, has died. She is not dead. Read
Fact checks
Health
Total deaths in the UK in 2020 have now risen above the deaths during the same period in 2018
Total deaths registered in England and Wales for 2020 so far are below 2018, but the weekly death figure is still well above what it has been. Read
Fact checks
It is not true that worldwide terrorism has stopped while western countries fight Covid-19
A widely shared post on Facebook claims international terrorism has ‘stopped’ as a result of western countries being ‘busy’ fighting the new coronavirus. Read
Fact checks
The 1918 Philadelphia parade fact checked
In 1918 Philadelphia saw 200,000 attend a parade, despite reports of influenza in the city. After the parade, cases skyrocketed. Read
Fact checks
Covid-19 prevention claims put down to Unicef go viral again
Gargling with salt, putting clothes out in the sun, and ‘any mask’ will not stop you getting Covid-19. Read
Fact checks
An image of a dog vaccine for a different coronavirus has gone viral
There isn’t a vaccine for the new coronavirus yet. Read
Fact checks
This video of a man wiping his hands on a public lift was not filmed in Wales
The video is from Bangkok. Read
Fact checks
