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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Prank Posts Falsely Suggest Second Stimulus Payment Is Approved

Prank Posts Falsely Suggest Second Stimulus Payment Is Approved

Viral posts on Facebook falsely claim the government has approved a second round of coronavirus stimulus payments to everyone who signs up — and that the money will be forthcoming in “5-7 business days.” Congress is considering another economic package, but a new round of support has not been passed.

Old Photo Shows Obama, Fauci at U.S. Facility — Not ‘Wuhan Lab’

Old Photo Shows Obama, Fauci at U.S. Facility — Not ‘Wuhan Lab’

An image circulating on social media claims to show former President Barack Obama, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Melinda Gates at the “Wuhan lab in 2015.” The photo was actually taken at the National Institutes of Health campus in Maryland — and Melinda Gates is not in the picture.

Trump Misleads on H1N1 Swine Flu Testing

Trump Misleads on H1N1 Swine Flu Testing

Deflecting attention from the rise in COVID-19 cases, President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the Obama administration “stopped testing” during the H1N1 pandemic. But the two viruses are very different, making the comparison misleading.

As Deaths Rise, Trump Sticks with Old Numbers

As Deaths Rise, Trump Sticks with Old Numbers

During his July 14 press conference from the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump made the outdated claim that U.S. deaths from COVID-19 are down “tenfold.”

Trump’s Misleading Comments on Biden and the Coronavirus

Trump’s Misleading Comments on Biden and the Coronavirus

In July 14 remarks in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump made a series of false, misleading and unsupported statements about the novel coronavirus and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s position on it.

‘Face Mask Exempt Card’ Isn’t Legitimate

‘Face Mask Exempt Card’ Isn’t Legitimate

A “face mask exempt card” shared on social media invokes the Americans with Disabilities Act and claims to excuse people from wearing face masks. But the group behind the card — “Freedom to Breathe Agency” — is not a government agency, and federal officials say the ADA “does not provide a blanket exemption” from requirements to wear masks.

Navarro Doesn’t Give Full Picture On Hydroxychloroquine

Navarro Doesn’t Give Full Picture On Hydroxychloroquine

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has promoted the “astonishing” results of an observational study that found hydroxychloroquine was associated with lower mortality for patients hospitalized for COVID-19. But the study has limitations, and multiple randomized controlled trials have found the drug is not beneficial to hospitalized patients.

Meme Misconstrues Efficacy of Face Masks in Spread of COVID-19

Meme Misconstrues Efficacy of Face Masks in Spread of COVID-19

A meme suggesting that face masks are useless against COVID-19 has been circulating online. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a face covering in public since the virus is transmitted mostly through droplets produced when people cough, sneeze and talk.

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.”