Last updated: 21 October 2020
COVID-19 mythbusters
Whenever there is an outbreak of a disease and especially in the COVID-19 outbreak, misinformation and rumour can spread more quickly than the virus itself and it can be just as dangerous.
Infographics
Can the new coronavirus (COVID-19) survive in humid climates?
Yes, COVID-19 has spread to countries with both hot and humid climates, as well as cold and dry.
Does drinking alcohol prevent the new coronavirus (COVID-19)?
No, drinking alcohol does not protect you from COVID-19 infection.
How do I ensure clothes and bedlinen don't spread the new coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Don't carry dirty linen or clothes against your body. Wash them in hot water with laundry detergent or soap.
What type of disinfectant can I use to wipe down surfaces to protect against COVID-19?
If a surface is dirty, first wipe down with regular household soap or detergent and rinse with water. Then use a regular household disinfectant like bleach.
Drinking water alleviates a sore throat. Does this also protect against COVID-19?
While staying hydrated by drinking water is important for overall health, it does not prevent coronavirus infection.
Does the new coronavirus affect older people or are young people also susceptible?
People of all ages can get infected by the new coronavirus.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
There is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
Are there specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus.
Ultra-violet (UV) lamps should not be used to disinfect hands or other areas of the skin
UV radiation can cause skin irritation and damage your eyes.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19.
The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites
To date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes.
Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees does not prevent nor cure COVID-19.
You can catch COVID-19 no matter how sunny or hot the weather is.