Let’s stop misinformation on virus

A representation of the coronavirus. [Courtesy]

When Covid-19 emerged, it was clear from the outset this was not just a public health emergency, but a communications crisis as well. The pandemic has not only caused significant challenges for health systems across the globe but also fueled surge of rumours, hoaxes and misinformation, regarding the etiology, outcomes, prevention, and cure of the disease. As Covid-19 spreads around the world, so does misinformation — ranging from fake cures to full-blown conspiracy theories.

In February 2020, the World Health Organisation described the rapid growth of Covid-19-related misinformation as an “infodemic.” An infodemic is defined as “an overabundance of information, some accurate and some not, that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources or reliable guidance when they need it.