5G and COVID-19 Spread? WHO Says "Not True" Amid Ongoing Conspiracy Theories

[Asia Economy Reporter Joeslgina] As rumors spread through social media in various countries claiming that 5G mobile communication spreads the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up to block fake news. Since the pandemic, various conspiracy theories have emerged worldwide, raising concerns that such an infodemic (an epidemic of misinformation) is sweeping social media.

On the afternoon of the 9th (local time), WHO posted on its official Twitter with the hashtag #KnowTheFacts. WHO stated, "The virus does not spread or move through mobile communication networks," and "Currently, COVID-19 is spreading in many countries where 5G networks have not been established."

This measure comes in response to absurd rumors circulating on social media such as "5G frequencies spread COVID-19" and "Living near 5G base stations increases the likelihood of contracting COVID-19," as well as recent arson incidents targeting 5G base stations in the United Kingdom. Immediately after the arson incidents, both the UK government and WHO declared that these claims are "not true," but the infodemic has not subsided. Following the base station arsons, technicians inspecting the facilities have also been threatened, causing disruptions in their work, according to British media reports.

As the COVID-19 situation prolongs, social media currently abounds with rumors ranging from conspiracy theories that a shadow government spread COVID-19 to reduce the global population, to claims that "COVID-19 infected individuals are flying helicopters around countries," and that "COVID-19 is being used as a means to spread AIDS." In the US political sphere, there have even been claims that COVID-19 is a biological weapon from Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began.

Particularly, this infodemic is of great concern because it undermines public trust in health authorities and may further facilitate the spread of the epidemic.

On this day, WHO also announced that other false rumors such as "Eating garlic or bathing in hot water can prevent COVID-19," "Hand dryers are effective in preventing COVID-19 outbreaks," and "Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body can eliminate the virus" are not true.

WHO urged, "COVID-19 spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or talks," advising people to avoid such contact and wash their hands frequently.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.