Deadly Fake News: Battling Virulent Coronavirus Rumors in Africa | DER SPIEGEL
By Anne Backhaus on March 19, 2020
The friend from Ghana had nothing but the best intentions when he shared the eight pictures via WhatsApp. Along with the images, he wrote: “Take care.” Each picture included a message, white lettering on a gray background. For example: “If the virus is exposed to a temperature of 26-27⁰ C. it will be killed, as it does not live in hot regions.
That, however, has not been medically proven. The rest of the message was likewise unhelpful in warding off the coronavirus: “Also drinking hot water and sun exposure will do the trick and staying away from ice cream and cold food is advised.” Above the message stood the initials UNICEF.
