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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Trump’s False Claim on Coronavirus Harm

Trump’s False Claim on Coronavirus Harm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that through May 30, 14% of confirmed coronavirus cases led to hospitalizations — including 2% in intensive care units. But President Donald Trump falsely claimed “99%” of cases “are totally harmless.”

Video Presents Flawed Test on Masks, Oxygen Levels

Video Presents Flawed Test on Masks, Oxygen Levels

A viral video questions the safety of face masks by using a gas detector to purportedly show that masks result in dangerous oxygen levels for the wearer. But experts — and the company that makes the gas detector — say the video’s test is scientifically flawed.

Painting of Children in Masks Isn’t a 1994 Airport Mural

Painting of Children in Masks Isn’t a 1994 Airport Mural

Viral posts wrongly claim that a painting depicting children in face masks was created as a mural for the Denver airport in 1994 — and baselessly suggest the COVID-19 pandemic was planned. The painting is not at the airport, and is not from 1994.

COVID-19 Cases and Deaths, By the Numbers

COVID-19 Cases and Deaths, By the Numbers

Noting that the United States accounts for about one-quarter of global COVID-19 cases and deaths, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the U.S. has “the worst record of any country in the world.” While the U.S. has the most confirmed cases and deaths by a wide margin, it does not have the most in either category on a per-capita basis.

Meme Misrepresents Florida Surgeon General’s Position on Face Masks

Meme Misrepresents Florida Surgeon General’s Position on Face Masks

Amid a surge in Florida’s COVID-19 cases, a Facebook meme dated June 24 falsely claims the state’s surgeon general recommended that people stop wearing face masks. The surgeon general actually issued an advisory two days earlier saying everyone in Florida “should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible.”

Azar, Trump Mislead on FDA’s Hydroxychloroquine Decision

Azar, Trump Mislead on FDA’s Hydroxychloroquine Decision

At the White House, the Health and Human Services secretary left the misleading impression that the FDA’s decision to revoke its emergency use authorization of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for COVID-19 “removes a potential barrier” and makes it easier to access the drugs. The FDA’s action does the opposite.

Facebook Post Repeats Flawed Claim on Wuhan Lab Funding

Facebook Post Repeats Flawed Claim on Wuhan Lab Funding

A Facebook post is spreading the false claim that former President Barack Obama gave $3.8 million to a lab in Wuhan, China. The money referenced was actually provided to a U.S. research group. Only $600,000 went to the lab as part of a U.S.-approved collaboration.