AAP FactCheck Articles

False claims about viruses and COVID-19 in Facebook video

As global cases of COVID-19 exceed one million, a video circulating on Facebook attempts to cast doubt on the existence of the potentially deadly virus.

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NZ "tanks on train" footage a rerun of US social media claims

With New Zealand under a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, a video posted on Facebook on March 25 suggests that the NZ Defence Force is moving tanks through the North Island.

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There is no link between NZ's coronavirus lockdown and 5G rollout

A Facebook post claims there is a link between New Zealand's four-week coronavirus lockdown and the installation of 5G towers.

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Myth of Adelaide ice rink becoming a morgue resurrected amid COVID-19 crisis

As the COVID-19 pandemic claims thousands of lives around the world, social media has reignited a rumour that an Adelaide ice skating rink is set to be used as a makeshift morgue.

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Lung disease "rescue packs" claim blows into Australia from the UK

A Facebook post is leading people to believe that sufferers of pre-existing respiratory conditions are entitled to a respiratory 'rescue pack' that includes steroids and antibiotics.

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Post claiming to show a US-developed COVID-19 vaccine fails the truth test

A Facebook post claiming to show a photo of a new vaccine for COVID-19 is spreading false hope as the economic, social and health impacts of the coronavirus deepen around the world.

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Ibuprofen and COVID-19 'link' infects social media

A social media post claims that there is a link between the pain reliever ibuprofen and COVID-19 deaths.

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False claims of goods being shipped to China damage Melbourne companies

Claims that a Melbourne based e-commerce business and freight company are sending essential goods to China in a time of national crisis have gone viral on Facebook and had a real-life impact.

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Italy's COVID-19 situation is dire but a photo of coffins is not from the coronavirus pandemic

Italy is highlighted in a social media post to emphasise the importance of staying home during coronavirus by using a photo of multiple coffins to reinforce the message.

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CEOs did not leave their jobs in anticipation of COVID-19

There is a conspiracy theory doing the social media circuit that a group of CEOs left their positions ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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COVID-19 conspiracy about Hollywood arrests, CEO exits gets an F for "Fiction"

Countries around the world have closed their borders as the COVID-19 pandemic escalates. In the midst of these measures, rumours about a vast global conspiracy are being shared on Facebook.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is not converting his hotels into hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients

A social media post claims soccer superstar Ronaldo has responded to the coronavirus crisis by turning his chain of hotels into hospitals.

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COVID-19 drinking water advice dry on evidence

With countries around the world going into lockdown amid the COVID-19 crisis, a Facebook post claiming that drinking water regularly will kill the pathogen is gaining traction.

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"Uncle's notes" for guidance on COVID-19 coronavirus treatment are misguided

Accurate advice about COVID-19 is critical during the current pandemic and, as people seek information, a social media post purporting to list symptoms treatments warrants scrutiny.

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No vote of confidence for claims linking pandemics with election years

As the COVID-19 crisis escalates globally, a social media post that suggests there is a link between election dates and virus outbreaks is spreading through the online community.

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Pic of untouched vegan food in supermarket has nothing to do with COVID-19 coronavirus

As people stockpile food and toilet paper over fears of the COVID-19 coronavirus causing disruption in Australia, a Facebook post claims to show vegan foods are being shunned amid the panic buying.

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Australian bushfire donations post makes charity cross

The bushfires that ravaged Australia this summer continue to spark claims on social media about the distribution of donations by the Australian Red Cross.

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Social media photos are not of dogs being killed because of coronavirus fears

A social media post claims Chinese officials are killing dogs despite World Health Organization advice that coronavirus is not transmissible between dogs and humans.

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NSW COVID-19 cases rise but regional centre not on the list

As the number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in NSW has increased a social media post has suggested a new case may have been found in the NSW regional town of Dubbo

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"Cabbage-walking vegans" story wanders away from its artistic origins

An article being shared on Australian and overseas social media groups claims "vegans" are walking cabbages instead of dogs in a purported trend among young people that helps to cure depression.

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