Countering Misinformation Surrounding COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can infect both animals and humans. COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus. It was first discovered in 2019 and quickly spread around the world. The virus spreads from person-to-person very quickly through coughs, sneezing and respiratory droplets. Watch this video to learn about the effects of COVID-19 and what it is, how to recognise the symptoms, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself and others.

COVID-19 is considered a pandemic, which means that there are widespread cases across the world affecting many people in many countries. Multiple different strains of COVID-19 have developed, originating in different countries and then spreading across the world. Some of these strains spread faster and are deadlier.

Community health workers have an important role to play in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and supporting those who become ill. Watch this short video on how COVID-19 quickly spread around the world.

Misinformation is false information or rumours that people create. Misinformation can be very dangerous and have negative effects on groups of people. There has been lots of misinformation about COVID-19 during the pandemic, leading to conflicting information. Misinformation can spread because of fear or other beliefs that communities have about disease or preventing disease. Sharing facts and explaining why certain beliefs are not accurate can help to fight misinformation.

Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumours and myths. No single person or group of people are more likely than others to spread COVID-19. Stigma can help to spread rumors about COVID-19 because of misinformation. When a group of people is stigmatized because of the illness they have, it can be dangerous for them and for their community. Because of stigma they may choose to hide their illness, refuse to seek health care or not adopt behaviors that can keep them and others healthy. It is important to remember that ANYONE can get COVID-19.

When there is a gap in information, people fill in this gap with their own information, whether it is true or not. It is important as a trusted community health worker to provide factual information to everyone. Community health workers can help communities to recognize what is true and what are rumors by following these steps:

1. Always provide factual, up to date information
2. Listen to all community members and answer their questions with facts
3. If you do not know an answer, tell them that and that you will find the answer for them
   

Involve trusted community leaders and members in designing and delivering health activities to secure trust and support. Ask the community questions to ensure that community members have understood your messages. Be patient and respond with kindness.