PolitiFact and MediaWise are teaming up to debunk misinformation about the coronavirus crisis. To have Coronavirus Facts delivered to your inbox Monday-Friday, click here.
Today we’re celebrating International Fact-Checking Day, a day for fact-checkers around the world to share resources to help you sort fact from fiction.
But, it’s not just fact-checkers getting in on the action. Author John Green, “NBC Nightly News” anchor Lester Holt, YouTube influencers Tyler Oakley and Ingrid Nilsen, and other MediaWise ambassadors have created a PSA to help stop the spread of COVID-19 misinformation.
“It’s not rocket science,” said “PBS Newshour Weekend” anchor Hari Sreenivasan. Think like a journalist when you see something weird about the coronavirus — ask, “who, what, when, where and why.”
Peter Hamby, host of Snapchat’s “Good Luck America” said it best: “It takes 20 seconds to properly wash your hands. Take that same 20 seconds to stop and fact-check something before hitting that share button.”
Do you know someone who could use this advice? Click the button below and send them the link. And if you want to take it one step further — sign them up for this newsletter.
Do students have to repeat the same grade next year?
States have extended school closures through the rest of the academic year. But that doesn’t mean that students will have to repeat their current grade next year. Get the facts»
More than 1,500 COVID-19 fact-checks in one place
Curious about that COVID-19 claim you saw? The CoronaVirusFacts/DatosCoronaVirus Alliance has a searchable database of more than 1,500 coronavirus fact-checks. Dig in»
Can you really make your own hand sanitizer?
Hand sanitizer — like toilet paper — is difficult to find right now. A recent tweet claims you can make your own, but like most DIY remedies, it needs context. Watch the fact-check»
Post claims coronavirus stimulus gave Congress a raise
A Facebook post claims legislators gave themselves a pay bump in the recent stimulus package. That’s not true. Check it out»
Alex Mahadevan is a senior multimedia reporter at MediaWise. He can be reached at amahadevan@poynter.org or on Twitter at @AlexMahadevan. Follow MediaWise on TikTok.
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