10 Additional Myths about Coronavirus Debunked

Coronavirus 2019 is still on a rise with more than 11,500,000 cases around the world and almost 46,000 cases in the country.

I wrote few months ago on the 30 Myths about Coronavirus 2019 and there are still a lot of additional myths that were not totally proven by adequate studies.

Additional Myths about Cornavirus Debunked

photo courtesy of pixabay : camera-man-16096197

10.) Insects, Mosquitoes and Flies are carriers of COVID 2019

Fact: There is no indication that house flies, insects or even mosquitoes can transmit the virus either through a bite or by landing on an infected surface. Always clean and disinfect ourselves whenever we hold anything or before eating.

9.) Ultra Violet Disinfection lamp can kill the virus , There are several UV disinfection lamps for sale posted in social media sites, online and stores.

Fact: There are no concrete study that having UV disinfection lamp can kill the virus. Aside from being expensive, UV radiation can cause skin irritation and can be harmful to eyes. UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin.

8.) Taking antibiotics can kill coronavirus 2019

Fact: Antibiotics kill bacteria, but they don’t kill viruses.

7.) Drinking cow, dog or human urine can protect a person from contracting the virus

Fact: Cow, human or dog urine has long been promoted as a traditional remedy for various diseases in China, India and even in the Philippines , but there is no medical evidence or study to show that urine can help protect a person against contracting virus.

6.) Wearing of medical mask can cause suffocation and can cause CO2 intoxication.

Fact: There were some rumors and pseudo facts which circulated in many online sites that  wearing a face covering can cause you to breathe in too much carbon dioxide or limit your ability to get enough oxygen.

There were some people who wore N95 mask have experienced difficulty in breathing since some of them have asthma or had pre-exsisting respiratory disease. Tiny particles can accumulate inside of the mask over the course of several hours of continued use. But it does not affect breathing.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH), there are no truth with the rumors posted in various social media.

Photo courtesy of: pixabay richardmc-1834381

4.) One can get coronavirus 2019  in swimming pools

Fact: According to the World Health Organization ( WHO) and experts, there is no evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 spreads between people through the water in swimming pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds.

World Health Organization

3.) 5G helps spread the Covid 2019 virus thru air waves and using mobile phones.

Fact: In many areas of the globe,5G mobile technology is quickly catching-up. Plus there is no such truth with the rumors. There are a lot of areas without 5G technology that COVID 2019 virus had spread.

3.)  Can Hydroxychloroquinecure COVID-19?

Fact: There is no proven cure for COVID-19, but most people will recover on their own without needing professional medical care. The misuse of hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects and illness and even lead to death.

It is important to follow official government advice and get information only from reliable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH ), Center for Disease Control (CDC) among others.

2.) Eating pepper of chilies can prevent or cure Covid 2019.

Fact: Eating pepper or chilies cannot prevent or cure COVID-19. This was clarified in a post in the website of World Health Organization (WHO).

1.) ” Tuob” or steam inhalation as means to help contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This was posted and shared several times in different social media, online sites and some government officials in the south had encourage their constituents.

Facts: Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a June 25 virtual presser that there is “no scientific evidence that steam inhalation kills the SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19).”

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA), an umbrella organization of physicians in the country, denounced Garcia for her “dangerous claims and insults” to medical members who disagreed with her advocacy for tuob.

Here are some of the tips given by Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health (DOH-Philippines), John Hopkins and University of the Philippines.

1.) Social distancing and give at least 1 meter distance from people.

2.) Wash you hands frequently with soap, water for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Try to complete the song ” Happy Birthday ” two times!

3.) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and observe good hygiene.

4.) Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue then properly dispose the tissue in trash or sneeze into your elbow.

5.) Avoid spitting anywhere.

6.) Clean and disinfect frequently.

7.) Stay at Home.

Sources and References: Department of Health ( Philippines), John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center ( John Hopkins University), World Health Organization, Center of Disease Control (CDC), University of the Philippines,Philippine Medical Assoication, Hong Kong’s Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), CNN Philippine interview, PCOO, personal interviews with several health care professionals and epidemiologist.

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10 New Normal Ways in Doing Things During COVID 2019

There are at least 10 new normal ways in doing things during this enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period. Even in areas where general community quarantine (GCQ) will be enforce in due time, life would never be the same again.

mobile sanitation booth

Until now, there were more than 3,300,000 people from about 215 countries and territories had contracted the dreaded covid 2019 virus.

roving market

Senator Manny Pacquiao is pushing for a New Normal Law that will establish social distancing and health and hygiene protocols.

Earlier in March, he also filed the Anti-Spitting Act of 2020, which seeks to ban and penalize spitting, coughing and sneezing in public.

While Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, along with other leaders of the House of Representatives, filed a bill seeking to provide a “whole-of-society” approach to set the “new normal” way of life as the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remains even after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

10 New Normal Ways in Doing Things

The proposed House Bill 6623 or the “New Normal for the Workplace and Public Spaces Act of 2020” aims to set standards and protocols to be adopted for three years. While not yet effective, people are already practicing these new normal ways.

Physical and social distancing

10.) Physical distancing at home, public spaces and other areas. Types of physical contact done in public include handshakes, beso-beso (cheek-to-cheek), mano (hand blessing), hugging and kissing is reduce to a minimum or none at all. This is replaced with Bowing, elbow to elbow, a quick nodding in the head, putting both hands together, tapping of feet or waiving of hands is now a normal thing to do.

Barangay Bagbag Market- have given access to other barangays like Sauyo, West Fairview, Bagbag, Talipapa and San Bartolome residents.

9.) Bringing of quarantine pass or travel pass is a MUST for all people. Remember that each barangay, town, city or community may impose different set of regulations, scheduling or window hours. Barangay Bagbag Public Market in Novaliches, Quezon City imposed an odd-even scheme for those living in the barangay last April 17, 2020. Other would implement a different scheme in order to reduce foot traffic in their locality.

Wearing of face mask and gloves

8.) Wearing of Face Mask and even gloves in public is a MUST. Different municipality, town, city or community already had ordinances for wearing of face mask. Some establishment require people entering their premises to have mask.

7.) E-Commerce and Shopping Online – The surge for E-Commerce, social media, website and mobile app based which caters to online delivery services and ordering. Roving wet market or roving grocery stores in some areas of the country is also becoming the new normal for shoppers.

travel

6.) Reduced Sitting Capacity for public transportation- Jeepneys, Tricycle, MRT , Pedicabs, PNR, AUV express, Passenger ship, Airplane – Expect that these form of public transportation will have fewer passengers if the enhanced community quarantine had been lifted. This can have an effect in the transportation system and the cost of fare might be carried over to the general masses.

5.) Reduced Sitting Capacity and Take Out- For restaurants and other establishments, Limiting the number of customers is now the new normal. They have to focus more on take-out or delivery services in order to survive.

4.) Hospitals, clinics and even hilot are ramping up their digital consultation platforms to attend to patients, especially for follow-up checkups and non-urgent cases.

3.) Mass gathering is now reduced to none or just a handful – Since physical distancing is in effect, Going to church, seminar, training, travel and watching movie is virtually non-existent. Some church groups already had online masses televised on television, live-streaming in the internet which is now the new normal. Drinking session is reduce to almost non-existent since there is a liquor ban being enforced.

2.) Classes in schools and universities- Several schools and universities have gone online. While not everyone in the country had an reliable access to the internet. Schools and teachers must find creative ways to continue learning process. Study at Home or Homeschooling will be the normal.

1.) Practicing good hygiene, avoid coughing and spitting in public places- People had to practice hand washing several time a day and among other things.

Sources and References:

Congress.gov.ph : http://www.congress.gov.ph/

Senate.gov.ph:  https://www.senate.gov.ph/

Official Gazette: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/section/laws/

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) , Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) PTV channel 4, World Health Organization, Department of Health, Unicef-Philippines

30 Myths about Coronavirus 2019

There are a lot of rumors, myths, false theories on one person can combat, alleviate or fight coronavirus 2019 (COVID 2019).

There are over 207,000 cases of coronavirus all over the world spanning all continents except for Antarctica. There were cases in about 170 territories and countries as of (March 18, 2020) 11:00 pm Manila time, based from data from John Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

There were 202 confirmed cases in the Philippines while 17 recorded deaths.

photo credit: tumisu-148124 (pixabay)

30 Myths and Rumors Debunked

30.) Garling Salt Water –  In a recent press conference, Presidential Press Secretary Salvador Panelo told the press that “I have made it a habit to gargle with salt water”. When I have a little cold, I gargle.”

Fact: There is no scientific study or research that garling salt water can fight coronavirus. Plus can be contaminated with animal waste, sewage spills, algae and microbes that are present in untreated salt water.

29. Eating Moringa, Malunggay or Moringa oleifera will help immune system fight coronavirus.

Fact: Malunggay had Vitamins A, C, E, protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, phytochemicals, and fiber which will aid in boosting one’s immune system. but there is no scientific basis or study that eating moringa or malunggay can kill the virus.

Noni fruit : Photo credit: najibzamri-7973793 (pixabay)

28.) Drinking Noni, Apatot or Morinda citrifolia fruit juice can kill the coronavirus.

Fact: No scientific proof that the noni juice nor fruit can help flight the virus.

27.) Only Asian descent can get the virus.

Fact: Anyone can get the corona virus.

26.) Sunshine, Vitamin D and Eating Citrus.

Fact : No scientific basis or studies that Eating Citrus and Going out to take sunshine does not have any scientific basis.

bananas, photo courtesy: thedigitalartist-202249 (pixabay) 

25.) Eating 1 bananas will keep the virus away. The instant remedy circulated in several social media sites like Facebook, Viber and Twitter. Which prompted some local banana fruit sellers to ran out of bananas.

Fact : Eating banana a day can help improve one’s immune system due to the source of vitamin B-6. However in a post by University of Queensland in Australia that they have not conducted such studies and video which circulated online is not true.

24.) Temperature over 35 degrees Celsius ( 95F) will stop the virus from spreading. Tropical and those living near the equator will slow the spread the virus.

Fact: According to officers from the World Health Organization, this strain of coronavirus can be transmitted regardless of the region’s climate and weather conditions.

23.)  One can get the virus from products and items made in China.

Fact : Experts believe that the virus doesn’t survive for extended periods of time on hard surfaces, although its lifespan still is being studied.

22.) Drinking water every 15 minutes will prevent you from contracting the virus. A post circulating in different social media platforms like Facebook claims that doctors recommend flushing the virus from your body with water and says that stomach acid can kill the virus.

Fact: Although drinking water can dehydrate one’s body, There is no scientific basis nor study that drinking water every 15 minutes can prevent one from getting the virus.

21.) Hand dryers kill the coronavirus.

Fact: World Health Organization and Department of Health (DOH) Philippines,the best method of protecting yourself against the virus is washing your hands with lukewarm water and soap at least 20 to 30 seconds. There are no scientific basis or study that using hand dryer can kill the virus.

photo credit: gadini-388416 ( pixabay)

20.) Spraying yourself with chlorine or alcohol will kill the virus.

Fact: Although alcohol and chlorine can be used in small amounts as disinfectants on hard surfaces, they cannot kill the virus. It can also be harmful when large quantities are ingested.

garlic : photo credit (pixabay)

19.) Eating a lot of garlic or 2 cloves of crush garlic then adding to 1 glass of lukewarm water. In order to avoid getting the virus. Garlic has some antimicrobial properties, which slows the spread of microorganisms.

Fact: local health officials does not have any proof that garlic has helped prevent the spread of coronavirus. There is not enough scientific studies which states that eating garlic can stop the spread of the virus.

 Garlic photo credit : stevepb-282134 (pixabay)

18.) Drinking bleach and alcohol protects you from the virus. Rumors have circulated Facebook and social media sites that drinking bleach prevents people from catching the coronavirus.

Fact: Drinking bleach or alcohol dangerous to a person’s health. This is according to a post from Department of Health (DOH) officials.

photo credit: congerdesign-509903 (pixabay)

17.) Adding ginger to warm water to protect one person from catching the virus. Same with drinking salabat, ginger tea or pito-pito.

Fact: This can help boost the immune system but can not totally fight the virus.

16.) Using a nasal saline rinse will prevent the virus.

Fact: rinsing your nose has not been proven to eliminate the coronavirus or any other respiratory infection.

15.) Taking essential oils, acetic acid, steroids or antibiotics will help. Fact: People taking these without prescription is dangerous .

14.) Chinese food is unsafe to eat right now.

Fact : proper food handling and sanitation is the key.

13.) A surgical face mask will prevent you from getting the virus.

Fact: Ordinary face masks are ineffective in preventing COVID-19.

12.) The virus originated from raw bats or bat soup. videos which circulated online.

11.) It only affects the elderly. People who are elderly or have compromised immune systems are most at risk for severe illness if they contract the virus, according to WHO.

Fact: anyone of any age can contract and spread the virus to others. In the Philippines, a 13 year- old patient living in Quezon City got infected.

10.) The COVID-19 vaccine almost is ready.

Fact: It may take months or at least a year for scientists to create a vaccine.

9.) Mineral supplements can destroy the virus.

Fact: There are no known proof that mineral supplement can cure the coronavirus.

8.) The virus was manufactured in a lab and deliberately released.

Fact: This had circulated in several online sites, some television stations and even well-known senator made some personal comments. It had not been proven that the virus came from laboratory and man-made.

7.) Ultraviolet disinfection lamps kill the virus on your skin. Fact: According to WHO, the best way to sterilize your hands is soap, water and observing proper hand washing and social distancing.

6.) The use of colloidal silver was promoted on televangelist Jim Bakker’s show. Colloidal silver is tiny particles of the metal suspended in liquid. The televangelist also sells bucket meals.

Fact: United States health authorities that there is no evidence this type of silver solution is effective for any health condition. More importantly, including kidney damage,allergic reaction and possible blood poisoning.

5.) Drinking hot water to taking hot baths will help fight the coronavirus.

Fact: There were no proven nor scientific studies conducted.

4.) Coronavirus 2019 is airborne.

Fact : The Department of Health (DOH) Philippines clarified. It was Department of Health( DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, in an interview, said a recent World Health Organization (WHO) article about the novel coronavirus considered only hospital settings or in enclosed room.

dog and cat (photo courtesy of pixabay) free-photos-242387

3.) Cats, Dogs and Pets spread the Virus.

Fact: World Health Organisation says there is no evidence that pets can be infected with the coronavirus.

A dog, which belonged to a patient who had COVID-19, tested negative for the virus last week, the city’s Hong Kong’s Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

2.) Consuming 1 tablespoon a day of Coconut virgin coconut oil (VCO) can help boost immune system.

Fact: Although there are studies that VCO can boost immune system. “We have heard very good studies with regard to its ability to neutralize the viruses, but for the COVID- 19, it is not clear,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III in an interview with CNN Philippines confirming the collaboration with Singapore.

Tawa-tawa is said to cure dengue patients

1.) Tawa-tawa plant, snakeweed or Euphorbia hirta– Consuming or boiling plant extract to fight combat the virus.

Fact: No scientific studies nor research had proven that this plant can cure conoravirus.

Here are some of the tips given by Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health (DOH-Philippines), John Hopkins and University of the Philippines.

1.) Social distancing and give at least 1 meter distance from people.

2.) Wash you hands frequently with soap, water for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Try to complete the song ” Happy Birthday ” two times!

3.) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and observe good hygiene.

4.) Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue then properly dispose the tissue in trash or sneeze into your elbow.

5.) Avoid spitting anywhere.

6.) Clean and disinfect frequently.

7.) Stay at Home.

Sources and References: Department of Health ( Philippines), John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center ( John Hopkins University), World Health Organization, Center of Disease Control (CDC), University of the Philippines, Hong Kong’s Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), CNN Philippine interview, PCOO, personal interviews with several health care professionals and epidemiologist.

10 Must Have Items for COVID 2019

During the past few weeks, groceries, supermarkets and pharmacies in many parts of the country have low inventory on certain items. Some of which were the consequences of panic buying, stockpiling or hoarding of certain goods or items. This is a peculiar effects in the face of a crisis that can drive up prices and take essential goods out of the hands of people who need them most like the elderly, indigent or people with disabilities.

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

In fact, This happened last during the few days after the Taal Volcano eruption last January 2020 in which surgical mask were almost wiped out even in wholesale stores like those in Bambang or Tayuman in Manila.

10 Must Have Items

10.) Cash– Try to withdraw a small amount of cash. Cash on hand during an epidemic is a must. There’s a high probability that banks may take a long break as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19. Not all establishments accepts credit/debit cards nor E-cash.

Photo by nrd on Unsplash

9.) Farm produce (perishable foods)– Meats, fishes, root crops, vegetables and raw fruits- Buy your fresh farm produce like eggs, vegetables, meats and fruits now, as they wont last long without refrigeration. The current power interruptions may actually lead to brownouts or even blackouts if manpower (maintenance) dwindles.

8.) (Disposable) Gears- Masks, gloves and raincoats/suits – These will somehow provide “some” protection to you and other people around you. When you cough or sneezes while wearing a mask, it will somehow prevent the droplets of your saliva to spray further to other surfaces or people. (plastic) Gloves, can come in handy when cleaning and touching possible infected items. Wear raincoats if you are walking below high-rise structures. This will protect you from possible “droplets” (people spitting from buildings) falling on to your head.

Photo by Igor Sokolov on Unsplash

7.) Communication and “Juice” – Batteries, Power banks, solar/rechargeable radio, flashlights, emergency lights- In case of power outages, It is good to have a fully charged stockpile of power banks and a couple of batteries. Having some kind of a solar charging device is also more advantageous than just having batteries. We need electricity to charge everything from cellphones, lights and other devices. Don’t forget to buy spare LPG/propane tanks for cooking and for those with deep pockets, solar energy (or hybrid with wind power) is the best option.

6.) Tissue papers, Table napkins,Paper towels, Wet wipes,–  Tissue paper’s purpose is not just limited to wiping butts. Tissues can be use for cleaning surfaces, When used properly while sneezing, they can help reduce the travel distance of sprayed saliva droplets. It is also an excellent “brown matter” in your compost bin. Cheaper and “greener” version of “paper towels”  because they deteriorate easily.

Photo by Dustan Woodhouse on Unsplash

Also, keep in mind that almost all “wet wipes” brands are not biodegradable. They will just end up in our landfill and stay there for a very long time.

5.) Alcohol, Hand sanitizers, cleaning agents- disinfectants, deodorants, soaps and bleach– This is for killing germs and viruses. Helps prevent or minimize the spread of harmful bacteria.

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

4.) Medicines, vitamins and supplements – Having enough vitamins or supplements to help boost the immune system of the body is a must. Other people with maintenance medicines like diabetes and heart ailments, have at least 1 month stockpile of your prescriptions . Some pharmacy might have limited stocks of some medicines.

3.)  (Dry goods-Food)  Rice, instant noodles , coffee, milk (powdered), pasta, beans, dried fish etc. – Rice is is the main staple food in the country, many Filipinos cannot live without “eating” rice. The reason why we ranked rice in #3 is because “rice” needs water and it needs to be cooked. All of the dry goods (mentioned above) needs boiling water or fire to be edible. We need fire to cook.

If things go south, we might ran out of propane/Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in cities many use electricity too. All these basic stuff may all ran out.

2.) (Ready to eat )  Canned goods, instant foods, honey, biscuits /crackers, nuts.

As i mentioned above, having “ready to eat” foods is and will always be the best survival food. You can be mobile while filling your stomach. We don’t even have to waste energy in starting  fire and cooking. One can also save water because we can skip the use of pots and pans.

Photo by Levi XU on Unsplash

1.)Water– Water is Life! We can’t survive without drinking water for 3 days!

These are just the basic necessities needed in order to survive a pandemic or natural calamities.