SPOKANE, Wash. — As you scroll through your social media feed, you're likely to come across posts making claims about COVID-19, more commonly known as coronavirus.
While some may have a humorous intent, social media posts can also add to fear and hysteria surrounding coronavirus. You have probably seen the photos and videos of stores selling out of toilet paper, water and cleaning supplies.
As part of KREM's commitment to provide you with facts not fear, we debunked several pieces of misinformation about the virus.
No, Providence Urgent Care clinics are not closed due to coronavirus
KREM came across a post on the Nextdoor app. It claims all Providence Urgent Care clinics are closed due to the coronavirus.
According to spokesperson Jennifer Semenza, this claim is false. it is actually business as usual.
Semenza said what may have caused confusion is a recent move of two Occupational Medicine clinics. These clinics shared space with a few of its Urgent Care locations and the move is meant to increase capacity for Urgent care.
No, men do not need to shave their beards to protect against coronavirus
You may have also seen the viral picture claiming the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is telling people to shave their beards to protect against the virus. This came from a CDC blog during No-shave November in 2017.
Right now, the CDC is not recommending that for the general public. That makes this claim false.
No, you don't need to wear a mask if you are not showing symptoms of coronavirus
In Facebook comments alone, KREM has seen several different claims on how coronavirus can spread and if masks will help prevent people from getting sick.
The CDC said coronavirus can spread mainly from person-to-person and through the air.
As for using face masks, the CDC said, they are a form of prevention but should be used by people who already have symptoms of coronavirus.
