Bharat Chauhan NEW YORK, “All around the world, people are taking necessary precautions
to protect themselves and their families from coronavirus. Sound preparation, based on
scientific evidence, is what is needed at this time.
“However, while many people are sharing information about the virus and how to protect
against it, only some of that information is useful or reliable. Misinformation during times of a
health crisis can spread paranoia, fear, and stigmatization. It can also result in people being left
unprotected or more vulnerable to the virus.
“For example, a recent erroneous online message circulating in several languages around the
world and purporting to be a UNICEF communication appears to indicate, among other things,
that avoiding ice cream and other cold foods can help prevent the onset of the disease. This is,
of course, wholly untrue.
“To the creators of such falsehoods, we offer a simple message: STOP. Sharing inaccurate
information and attempting to imbue it with authority by misappropriating the names of those
in a position of trust is dangerous and wrong.
“To members of the public, we ask that you seek accurate information about how to keep
yourself and your family safe from verified sources, such as UNICEF or WHO, government
health officials and trusted healthcare professionals; and that you refrain from sharing
information from untrustworthy or unverified sources.
“It can be difficult in today’s information-rich society to know exactly where to go for
knowledge about how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. But it is critical that we
remain as diligent about the accuracy of the information we share as we are about every other
precaution we take to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
“UNICEF is actively taking steps to provide accurate information about the virus by working
with the World Health Organization, government authorities and with online partners like
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok to make sure that accurate information and advice
is available, as well as taking steps to inform the public when inaccurate information emerges.
