Action taken to curb false rumors
Supplies from Shanghai Huashan Hospital, including vital items for medical workers, had been "stolen and had disappeared" after being sent to Wuhan, Hubei province
Sorting fact from fiction
Epidemic-related online posts identified as rumors by the authorities:
1.Rumor: Novel coronavirus pneumonia is a type of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, virus.
Fact: It may share some genetic similarities with the SARS virus, but it is inaccurate to say it is a type of this virus.
2.Rumor: Smokers have been infected amid the outbreak at a far lower rate than non-smokers.
Fact: There are no findings or data showing that nicotine, a major component of cigarettes, has an anti-viral effect or prevents infection. On the contrary, it can cause respiratory failure and paralysis.
3.Rumor: During the outbreak, people should wear goggles when going out.
Fact: There is no need for this, according to epidemiologist Li Lanjuan. Only doctors on the front-line should wear protective goggles or surgical masks when diagnosing and treating patients.
4.Rumor: Pets, such as dogs and cats, can become infected with the virus.
Fact: There are no findings to show that such animals can become infected, but it is always a good idea for owners to wash their hands after contact with their pets.
5.Rumor: The higher the alcohol level in a disinfectant, the more effective it is.
Fact: Ethanol at a concentration of 60 to 80 percent proves an effective antiseptic. But a 90 percent alcohol level may reduce effectiveness of disinfection.
6.Rumor: It is no longer safe to eat seafood, chicken or pork.
Fact: The virus possibly arose from the illegal sale of wild animals. Eating meat and seafood sold through recognized channels will not pose a risk of infection.
7.Rumor: Taking a hot bath can kill the virus.
Fact: The virus is vulnerable to heat, but can only become inactive after exposure to a temperature of 56 C for more than 30 minutes.
8.Rumor: Eating garlic can prevent infection from the virus.
Fact: There is no evidence to prove that this helps, although garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties.
9.Rumor: Wearing more than one surgical mask will help prevent infection from the virus.
Fact: According to medical experts, people can protect themselves if they wear a mask correctly. Wearing additional ones will not work, but will be a waste of resources and may even make it more difficult to breathe.
10.Rumor: Using a mouthwash will offer protection from the virus.
Fact: There is no evidence of this, although some brands can eliminate certain microbes in saliva for a few minutes.
