Minority Take
Karvaan Café
Top ups
High Five, News October 26, 2020 October 26, 2020
Myth-busting: Things you must know about COVID-19
by Edit Desk
Credits: The economic times
As the impact of coronavirus progresses, our ability to understand the diseases and its causes also increases. In order to bridge the gap between truth and fiction, experts addressed the myths about COVID-19 that surfaced recently. These myths have only added on to the misunderstandings that are circulating around the world.
Here are five of these myths:
Myth 1: We are getting close to herd immunity
Herd immunity is when the majority of people are immune to a disease so that it makes the spread unlikely. Herd immunity can be achieved through either vaccination or natural infection. In total, 70% of the general population (about 200 million people) will need to recover from COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity. However, this is conditional on whether the COVID-19 immunity is long lasting. Unfortunately, a clear evidence as to whether contracting and recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection will lead to long-term immunity that is protective, has not been observed.
Myth 2: Water transmits COVID-19
According to the WHO, the coronavirus is primarily transmitted by droplets through direct or close contact with an infected person or indirect contact through contaminated surfaces, also known as fomite transmission. The possibility of water transmission – either by drinking water or while swimming – has been widely researched and ruled out. However, it is still important to maintain physical distancing while in swimming pools.
Myth 3: Bleach and alcohol can cure COVID-19
Drinking or spraying bleach as well as other disinfectants – such as methanol, ethanol and alcohol – on your body does not prevent or cure COVID-19. Health authorities have strongly cautioned against their use, saying they should only be used to disinfect surfaces. "Do not under any circumstance spray or introduce bleach or any other disinfectant into your body," the WHO said on its website.
Myth 4: COVID-19 is caused or exacerbated by 5G
5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks. It is a type of radio wave that is digitized, so it improves the transmission and capacity of data.
There is no evidence to suggest a cause-and-effect relationship between radio waves, their frequencies, and viral transmission.
Myth 5: COVID-19 spreads through shoes and clothes
The risk of coronavirus spreading through shoes and clothes is very low. WHO ruled out this possibility, based on the global tally of infections. Still, as a precautionary measure for general hygiene rules, the WHO recommends leaving your shoes at the entrance to your home, especially in places where infants and small children crawl or play on floors.
Independent Press is under threat
We believe that if we owe an explanation to anyone, it's our readers. We make the powerful accountable to this democracy and remain answerable to only our readers. This becomes possible only with a little contribution from you. Consider making a small donation today and help us remain a free, fair and vibrant democracy watchdog.
Support Karvaan
Author: Edit Desk
Karvaan India is an online journal of politics, culture, heritage, monuments and people. We initiate conversation around the following themes with an intent to question traditional mindsets, popular discourses and initiate meaningful debates around it.
Coronavirus, COVID 19, myths
Edit Desk
More from Edit Desk
Bollywood actor Sushant Singh died by suicide
NEWS: Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide at his home in...
Michael Jordan pledges to donate $100 million over the decade to fight for race equality
Online events in upcoming weeks
Starbucks warn employees against wearing anything in support of Black Lives Matter
Previous articlePondering over Syed Ahmad Khan's legacy, and questions of caste among Muslims
Next articleLaw Enforcement & Loopholes: What is in the rape?
Urdu Hai Jiska Naam
Karvaan Urdu - Advanced Learning Programme
Tweets by @karvaanindia
The Heat: India's citizenship bill
About Karvaan India
Karvaan India is a digital news platform and online magazine of Politics, Culture, Art and World. The organisation believes in tranquility and sincerity and not number of hits. All our pieces in the magazine section are in-depth and well researched.
The organisation runs through a cluster of not for profit sustainable business models and does not depend on big money bags and advertisements for its revenue. This gives us the ability to stay fiercely free and independent from any pressure and yet not burden our readers with paywalls.
Karvaan India
Copyright 2020. Karvaan India. All Rights Reserved
We are partners in a democracy. Independent Press like ours cannot sustain without your support.
Consider making a small donation and empower us to tell the stories that are important for you to know.