Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?

Rumor:

Taking antibiotics can prevent and treat the new coronavirus.

Fact:

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus, and therefore antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.