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National advice hotline

For information on coronavirus (COVID-19) call the hotline - open 24 hours, 7 days.

1800 020 080

Facts and myths

Find out what is and isn't true when it comes to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Spread facts, not fear. It is important that everyone in the Territory makes decisions based on the facts.

Only share information from trusted sources. Let’s be smart and keep the NT rumour free.

  • 1 Can it be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates?

    Yes.

    From the evidence so far, coronavirus (COVID-19) can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 2 Can it be prevented by taking a hot bath or shower?

    No.

    Taking a hot bath or shower WILL NOT prevent you from catching coronavirus (COVID-19). Taking a shower or bath with extremely hot water can be harmful.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 3 Can I catch it from mosquito bites?

    No.

    To date there has been no information or evidence to suggest that coronavirus (COVID-19) could be transmitted by mosquitoes.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 4 Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    No.

    Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body WILL NOT kill viruses that have already entered your body. Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 5 Can eating garlic help prevent infection?

    No.

    Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence that garlic has protected people from coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 6 Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    No.

    Antibiotics DO NOT work against viruses, only bacteria. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics SHOULD NOT be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 7 Are there coronavirus (COVID-19) scams circulating?

    Yes.

    A number of COVID-19 themed scams are circulating online and via text message. Many scams include links which if clicked may install malicious software designed to steal personal or banking details.

    If you receive one of these messages do not click the link. Delete the message.

    Source: Stay Smart Online

  • 8 Does coronavirus (COVID-19) affect only older people?

    No.

    People of ALL AGES can be infected by coronavirus (COVID-19). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 9 Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    No.

    Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against coronavirus (COVID-19).

    To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat coronavirus (COVID-19).
    Researchers are working to develop a vaccine.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 10 Can I catch coronavirus (COVID-19) from my pet?

    No.

    While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit coronavirus (COVID-19).

    COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.

    WHO continues to monitor the latest research on this.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 11 If I can hold my breath for 10 seconds without coughing, does it mean I don’t have coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    No.

    Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from coronavirus (COVID-19) or any other lung disease.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 12 Can I recover from the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    Yes.

    Catching coronavirus DOES NOT mean you will have it for life. Most of the people who catch coronavirus (COVID-19) can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 13 Are hand dryers effective in killing coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    No.

    Hand dryers are not effective in killing coronavirus (COVID-19). To protect yourself against the coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 14 Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    No.

    Ultraviolet (UV) lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 15 Are thermal scanners effective in detecting people infected with coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    Yes.

    Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (ie, have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with coronavirus (COVID-19).

    However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between two and 10 days before people who are infected to become sick and develop a fever.

    Source: World Health Organisation

  • 16 Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    No.

    There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Source: World Health Organisation