KUALA LUMPUR: KUALA LUMPUR: The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) Malaysia today stated that it has not issued any advice or tips on Covid-19 prevention via messaging apps.
“Fake News Alert. Unicef is NOT issuing any advice/tips about #Coronavirus prevention through WhatsApp in #Malaysia!,” Unicef Malaysia tweeted today.
“Be wary of such messages claiming to be from us,” Unicef Malaysia also wrote on its Facebook page.
It advised Malaysians to visit Unicef’s website for credible information about how to prevent Covid-19.
Unicef’s deputy representative in Malaysia, Radoslaw Rzehak, advised netizens to only obtain advice from experts and to refrain from spreading fake news.
“Let experts speak about #COVID19. Stop fake news and improvising on medical knowledge. It is too serious to misinform people. Follow what medical experts say! Don’t listen and spread fake news!” he tweeted.
A message, claiming to be from Unicef, has been making the rounds on social media and WhatsApp, offering tips on Covid-19 prevention.
It reads: “Corona virus is large in size, where the cell diameter is 400-500 micro and for this reason any mask prevents its entry.
“The virus does not settle in the air but is grounded, so it is not transmitted by air.
“Coronavirus, when it falls on a metal surface, it will live 12 hours, so washing hands with soap and water well enough.
“Corona virus, when it falls on the fabric, remains 9 hours, so washing clothes or being exposed to the sun for two hours meets the purpose of killing it.
“The virus lives on the hands for 10 minutes, so putting an alcohol steriliser in the pocket meets the purpose of prevention.
“If the virus is exposed to a temperature of 26-27°C it will be killed, as it does not live in hot regions. Also drinking hot water and sun exposure will do the trick, and finally, with an apology from children – stay away from ice cream and eating cold is important.
“Gargle with warm and salt water kills the tonsils' germs and prevents them from leaking into the lungs.
“Adherence to these instructions fulfills the purpose of preventing viruses.”