Answering your COVID-19 questions
Poynter’s PolitiFact wants to know what questions and concerns you have regarding truthful information in today’s media. Yesterday PolitiFact held a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session where editor Angie Holan and misinformation reporter Daniel Funke answered numerous questions from citizens and journalists about covering the coronavirus infodemic and fact-checking politicians during the pandemic.
One Reddit user asked about fact-checking the government’s waffling guidance around wearing masks:
“I get that there are concerns about shortages but telling people that only medical professionals can safely wear masks is not only incorrect, it's downright harmful. It's like telling people not to wash their hands because only doctors know how to do it right.”
PolitiFact misinformation reporter Daniel Funke answered in detail, but here’s the short version:
“Research shows that surgical and homemade masks are effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. But health officials haven't advised people to wear them because there is a national shortage, and health care workers need them more than anyone.”
You can read Daniel’s full fact-check here. And, you can subscribe to PolitiFact Daily for more insights from PolitiFact.
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