Globally, myths have circulated online including crackpot cures for Covid-19 and conspiracy theories about its alleged origins, with even world leaders touting false claims. In the Arabic-speaking world, AFP fact checkers have observed a trend for social media posts containing false religious-themed claims about the virus. A video purporting to show Chinese people converting to Islam because the novel coronavirus "does not affect Muslims" was shared in February 2020. "But religion is also a main source for social solidarity which is integral to resisting the psychological stress of quarantine." Social media users also circulated statements falsely attributed to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte that only "solutions from the heavens" could save his country.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 27, 2020 05:37 UTC