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 check
Fact checks
From false health claims to misleading statements on immigration, politics and conflict—our expert team delivers impartial, evidence based fact checks.
What are the facts behind claims of a child-snatching panic on social media?
Some claims of gangs trying to steal children seem to be exaggerated. Read
Fact check
Punishments for not wearing face coverings, not social distancing and for possessing indecent images of children vary depending on the exact offence
One post comparing punishments has over 20,000 shares on Facebook. Read
Fact check
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 check
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 check
It’s true that women escaping domestic abuse can get a free train ticket in Great Britain if they are travelling to refuge accommodation
A social media post shared tens of thousands of times makes claims about the Rail to refuge Scheme. Read
Fact check
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 check
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 check
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 check
The government is not planning to roll out an untested Covid-19 vaccine
A government consultation about unlicensed vaccines has been misunderstood online. Read
Fact check
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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