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Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Ian Johnson

Debunked: The most common coronavirus lies that are spreading online

The most read made-up rumours of the coronavirus outbreak have been released.

Research suggests people are struggling to work out what is fact - and what is fiction - in terms of what they read about the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Ofcom, almost half of adults came across 'fake news' relating to coronavirus.

The most read piece of mis-information so far was a made up claim that you can flush away coronavirus by drinking more water.

A five-year-old has become the youngest to die of coronavirus (PA)

This was followed by fictitious claims that gargling saltwater - or avoiding cold and food and drink - can combat Covid-19.

And research shows most people - especially younger people - are turning to trusted sources such as the NHS and scientists for facts in this time of crisis.

"With so much false information circulating online, it’s never been more important that people can cut through the confusion and find accurate, trustworthy and credible sources of news and advice," said Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom’s Group Director for Strategy and Research.

"People are turning to public authorities and traditional broadcasters for trusted information about Covid-19, and the vast majority say they’re closely following official advice."

The research was carried out in the first week of lockdown, with two thirds of those polled admitting they say misinformation on a daily basis.

And while traditional broadcasters like the BBC were largely trusted, social media sites and closed messaging groups - such as WhatsApp - were the least trusted.

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