Scientists consider polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests a highly reliable tool for diagnosing COVID-19. But social media posts are misrepresenting a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcement regarding the eventual discontinuation of its own test, falsely claiming the government has conceded that PCR tests aren’t reliable.
Misconception: COVID-19 Misconceptions
Beds for Olympic Athletes Were Not Designed for COVID-19 Concerns
Participants in the 2020 Olympic Games will be subject to many COVID-19 rules. But social media posts and a news report falsely claim athletes will be sleeping on specially made, flimsy “anti-sex beds” to prevent intimacy and COVID-19 infection. The beds were designed before the pandemic and can bear more than 400 pounds, the mattress company said.
Fauci and Paul, Round 2
Viral Posts Lift Bogus ‘Quarantine’ Story from Satire Site
Businessman’s Social Media Post Distorts Facts on Definition of a Pandemic
Mayim Bialik and Sons Got COVID-19 Vaccine
Photo Shows 2018 France World Cup Celebration, Not Vaccine Protest
CDC Data Thus Far Show COVID-19 Vaccination Safe During Pregnancy
Federal vaccine monitoring systems have identified no safety concerns with the COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant people. Preliminary Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that miscarriage is not more frequent than expected in vaccinated people. Online posts, however, falsely contend that such data, as reported in a CDC publication, show an 82% miscarriage rate.
Meme Spreads Falsehood About Vaccine Transfer Through Eating Meat
Baseless Conspiracy Theory Follows Deaths of Haitian President, Other National Leaders
Following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, social media posts baselessly suggest that he and other world leaders were killed or died because they opposed COVID-19 vaccination in their countries. All the leaders named in the posts, except Moïse, died of natural causes. At least one supported vaccination.