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Investigate First!
There is a lot of news and advice circulating on social media and the Web. These postings cover things like what the coronavirus is, how it is transmitted, how you can protect yourself, etc. Just because it lands in your inbox, on your social media pages, or is sent to you by text from a friend, doesn't mean it is necessarily true. Before you start passing things on or taking action on what you hear or read make sure you investigate what you are reading and hearing. Make sure the information comes from an authoritative source (see the "How Can I Stay Informed?" section on the What Is COVID-19? page of this guide for a list of authoritative Web sites). You may also use the tools below to help you sort out truth from myth when it comes to the coronavirus and COVID-19.
No matter how good your research skills are, the gold standard is to check with an expert. Talk with a health care provider, your local health department, or in New York City call 311 or the New York State Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline on 1-888-364-3065.
Fact Checking Tools and Sites
AP (Associated Press) Fact Check
Fact-checking and accountability journalism from Associated Press journalists around the globe.
FactCheck.Org
FactCheck.org is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania and is a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. It monitors the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases.
Politifact (Poynter Institiutte)
Rates accuracy of statements and claims made by politicians and others.
Snopes
Snopes.com’s fact checking and original, investigative reporting provides evidence-based and contextualized analysis. They document our sources where possible so readers are empowered to do independent research and make up their own minds.
Wotld Health Organization (WHO): Coronavirus Myth Busters
Coronavirus myths debunked by the World Health Organization (WHO), an United Nations agency.
FCU -- Fact Checkers Unit -- A Humorous Look at How Fact Checking Gets Done
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