Health
Infrared thermometers do not affect the pineal gland
These thermometers do not emit infrared radiation, they measure it. Read
Fact check
Covid-19 fact checks
This page brings together Full Fact’s fact checks on Covid-19, covering common claims, vaccine safety and efficacy, symptoms, treatments, government policies, and misinformation. We review evidence, correct errors, and monitor evolving science to help you make informed decisions.
Viral Facebook post on cost of “binned” test and trace app is wrong
The app hasn’t been binned, although the government did change direction with their original app to instead use the Google/Apple system. Read
Fact check
Health
You cannot catch Legionnaires’ disease from a mask
Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial infection caught through water. Read
Fact check
Health
mRNA vaccines are being developed for Covid-19, but they do not change your DNA
mRNA works by instructing cells, not altering DNA. Read
Fact check
Health
One in six may refuse the Covid-19 vaccine
New research suggests that people were not confused by the wording of a survey last summer Read
Fact check
Can children be detained without their parents’ consent if the authorities think they have coronavirus?
The government has said a parent, carer or legal guardian must be present for a Covid-19 screening to take place on a child under the Coronavirus Act, but the law itself doesn’t say this. Read
Fact check
Health
There is no proof you’re more likely to get Covid-19 if you’re tall
It was widely reported that a survey showed men over six foot tall are more likely to be infected with coronavirus. However, the research does not prove this. Read
Fact check
You were more likely to catch Covid-19 in Spain than the UK in late July.
A viral Facebook post claims Spain had a much lower Covid-19 death toll than the UK at the end of July. That’s correct but isn’t the best way to compare the risk of getting Covid-19 in each country. Read
Fact check
Health
The RSPCA has said that they are worried people will abandon pets because the economic effects of Covid-19
The company said in a press release that they are worried the current economic climate would lead to more abandoned pets. Read
Fact check
Health
Leicester residents are not being forcibly tested for coronavirus
Leicester City Council said that no one is being forced by them to take Covid-19 tests. Read
Fact check
Evidence you can rely on
Fact checking claims made by politicians, public figures and viral online content can give you the full picture backed by the evidence.
Subscribe to weekly email newsletters from Full Fact for updates on politics, immigration, health and more. Our fact checks are free to read but not to produce, so you will also get occasional emails about fundraising and other ways you can help. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information about how we use your data see our Privacy Policy.