Fake cures, risky rumours: Covid-19 misinformation hits home

The rapid spread of information online means that when scientists discuss as-yet unproven theories, anxious patients can take unnecessary risks. — AFP Relaxnews

HONG KONG: From being duped into taking poisonous "cures", to watching businesses crumble and avoiding life-saving medication, people are suffering devastating real-world impacts of a deluge of online virus misinformation.

As the new coronavirus that has killed more than 20,000 people causes markets to crash and sets scientists scrambling for a solution, rumours and false claims are fuelling confusion and deepening the economic misery.