If you go on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram at any given time today, you’ll likely see many people posting about coronavirus.
And while it’s a good idea to be as knowledgeable as we can about the illness, it can become easy to fall for false information.
We recently saw how France was forced to inform people that cocaine could not protect against Covid-19 , after a tweet wrongly claiming that it could went viral.
So now one social media site is attempting to put a stop to misinformation by limiting searches for coronavirus on its website and app and instead encouraging people to only seek information from internationally-recognized organisations.
(Image: PA)
Pinterest is offering its users an escape from coronavirus news and misinformation.
Instead of being bombarded with search results, any person who searches the word ‘coronavirus’ or ‘Covid-19’ will be met with a message from the site, which reads: “Pins about this topic often violate our community guidelines, which prohibit harmful medical misinformation.
“Because of this, we’ve limited search results to pins from internationally recognised health organisations.”
They added: “If you’re looking for medical advice, please contact a healthcare provider.”
Underneath this, users are shown a sparse search results page, containing only content from the World Health Organization.
At present, Pinterest’s community guidelines prohibit users sharing health advice that has “immediate and detrimental effects on a pinner’s health or on public safety. “
This includes promotion of false cures for terminal or chronic illnesses and anti-vaccination advice.
Many are pleased with the noticeable lack of coronavirus content on Pinterest.
Over on Twitter one person said: “Pinterest is now the only media safe from the corona virus. so if you catch me planning a wedding or designing my dream home this is why.”
Another joked: “Pinterest just called my mom out for looking up DIY coronavirus face masks.”
However, while the site does contain less coronavirus-related content than other social media networks, it’s important to note that there is still some on there.
Certain content is allowed as long as Pinterest don’t consider it to be harmful.
There are currently around 1,140 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK.
The Chief Medical Officer for England confirmed that a total of 21 people have died because of the illness so far.
Professor Chris Whitty said: “I am sorry to confirm 10 further patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in England have died.
“All 10 individuals were in the at risk groups.
“I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 will be a cause for concern for many. The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable.
“Every single one of us has a role to play in achieving this. If you have a new continuous cough or high temperature, please stay at home for seven days. I also encourage everyone to be washing their hands for 20 seconds regularly.
“I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends who have received this difficult news. I ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”
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