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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Prank Posts Mislead on Direct Government Payments for Coronavirus

Prank Posts Mislead on Direct Government Payments for Coronavirus

The Trump administration has proposed providing direct payments to some U.S. citizens, beginning April 6, to blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus. But a prank post circulating on Facebook falsely states that the government is sending out checks every week and claim forms are already available.

Viral Posts Falsely Align Viruses to Election Years

Viral Posts Falsely Align Viruses to Election Years

Viral posts on social media claim COVID-19 is no worse than other outbreaks that have occurred in “every election year,” suggesting that the new coronavirus is being “hyped” to hurt President Donald Trump. But most of the dates cited to defend those conclusions about previous outbreaks are misleading or incorrect.

False Claims of Nationwide Lockdown for COVID-19

False Claims of Nationwide Lockdown for COVID-19

The National Security Council is warning Americans of a “FAKE” rumor circulating on social media that falsely claims President Donald Trump will impose a nationwide “mandatory quarantine.”

Gargling Water With Salt Won’t ‘Eliminate’ Coronavirus

Gargling Water With Salt Won’t ‘Eliminate’ Coronavirus

A viral image circulating online is falsely advising social media users that gargling water with salt or vinegar “eliminates” the coronavirus. There is currently “no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus,” according to the World Health Organization.

Infographic on Facebook Distorts Comparative Facts on Viruses

Infographic on Facebook Distorts Comparative Facts on Viruses

A misleading chart being spread on Facebook, erroneously dubbing the new coronavirus the “least deadly virus,” contains outdated information about the coronavirus and erroneous information about the death rate of the 2009 pandemic of H1N1.

Carter Hasn’t Endorsed in 2020 Primary

Carter Hasn’t Endorsed in 2020 Primary

A popular blog post being shared on Facebook falsely claims that former President Jimmy Carter has endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders for president. The post was lifted — almost verbatim — from an old story about Carter’s support for Sanders’ 2016 bid.