Health
Be wary of social media posts comparing fatality rates in confirmed Covid-19 cases
These figures don’t count the large numbers of people who’ve had the disease but haven’t been tested. 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.
Health
Claim by Independent SAGE about Covid-19 infections in children is based on unclear evidence
Research literature doesn’t suggest that children are as likely as adults to become infected and carry the virus. Read
Fact check
Health
The limits of what we can say about early lockdowns
Analysis comparing countries’ excess deaths tallies based on when they locked down needs to be put into context. Read
Fact check
Health
New antibody tests are not 100% accurate on all measures
It was reported that new antibody tests were 100% accurate, but evaluation of the tests by Public Health England shows this is not the case. Read
Fact check
Health
Two metres is a little better than one
New research shows that keeping your distance does protect against coronavirus Read
Fact check
Chris Whitty did not personally receive millions of pounds from the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation
The money was given to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, where Chris Whitty worked. Read
Fact check
Health
We still don’t know if the UK does the most Covid-19 tests in Europe
The Prime Minister claimed “we test more than virtually any country in Europe.” The UK appears to test more than most. Read
Fact check
This is how you can verify you are actually being contacted by the government’s Test and Trace service
Tracers will not ask for personal information such as financial details or online logins. Read
Fact check
Education
The figure of 1 million children not returning to school is uncertain
Teachers were surveyed between 7 and 17 May on whether they thought families would send their children back to school when they reopened. Read
Fact check
Health
SAGE did not advise against reopening schools on 1 June
This was the opinion of the Independent SAGE, who are a different group of scientists. 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.
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