COVID-19: Speculations & Confirmed Facts: Difference between revisions
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==Common speculations== | ==Common speculations== | ||
As this is a rapidly developing situation, scientists and virologists worldwide have conducted independent research into the virus. The following are common speculations about the virus that has yet to be confirmed by a global health authority. | As this is a rapidly developing situation, scientists and virologists worldwide have conducted independent research into the virus. The following are common speculations about the virus that has yet to be confirmed by a global health authority.[[File:SARS bats.png|thumb|''Bats were the host animals for the SARS coronavirus in 2003. Retrieved from [https://www.businessinsider.sg/wuhan-coronavirus-sars-bats-animals-to-humans-2020-1/?r=US&IR=T Business Insider Singapore].'']] | ||
===Bats could be the original host animal=== | ===Bats could be the original host animal=== | ||
So far, researchers have found out that the genetic make-up of the nCov-2019 is 96% identical to coronavirus found in fruit bats.<ref>“[https://www.technologyreview.com/f/615087/virus-in-chinese-outbreak-is-closest-to-one-from-bats-not-snakes/?utm_medium=tr_social&utm_campaign=site_visitor.unpaid.engagement&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1Ij-40vjgqfxnaWi2Eo9NmrwhsqBIJZkhT_uBrGPuAr6ZleYOj_ Virus in Chinese outbreak is closest to one from bats, not snakes]”. ''Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review.'' January 23, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref> It is unlikely that snakes are the main source of the zoonotic transmission. However, there is no confirmation on what animal infected patient zero. Bats could have passed the virus onto another species sold at Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.<ref>Zhou, Peng, Xing-Lou Yang, Xian-Guang Wang, Ben Hu, Lei Zhang, Wei Zhang, Hao-Rui Si, et al. “[https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.01.22.914952 Discovery of a Novel Coronavirus Associated with the Recent Pneumonia Outbreak in Humans and Its Potential Bat Origin]”. ''BioRxiv'', January 23, 2020.</ref><ref>Aylln Woodward. “[https://www.businessinsider.sg/wuhan-coronavirus-chinese-wet-market-photos-2020-1/?r=US&IR=T Experts haven’t yet confirmed the animal species that enabled the Wuhan coronavirus to spread to people]”. ''Business Insider.'' January 27, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020. </ref> | So far, researchers have found out that the genetic make-up of the nCov-2019 is 96% identical to coronavirus found in fruit bats.<ref>“[https://www.technologyreview.com/f/615087/virus-in-chinese-outbreak-is-closest-to-one-from-bats-not-snakes/?utm_medium=tr_social&utm_campaign=site_visitor.unpaid.engagement&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1Ij-40vjgqfxnaWi2Eo9NmrwhsqBIJZkhT_uBrGPuAr6ZleYOj_ Virus in Chinese outbreak is closest to one from bats, not snakes]”. ''Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review.'' January 23, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref> It is unlikely that snakes are the main source of the zoonotic transmission. However, there is no confirmation on what animal infected patient zero. Bats could have passed the virus onto another species sold at Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.<ref>Zhou, Peng, Xing-Lou Yang, Xian-Guang Wang, Ben Hu, Lei Zhang, Wei Zhang, Hao-Rui Si, et al. “[https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.01.22.914952 Discovery of a Novel Coronavirus Associated with the Recent Pneumonia Outbreak in Humans and Its Potential Bat Origin]”. ''BioRxiv'', January 23, 2020.</ref><ref>Aylln Woodward. “[https://www.businessinsider.sg/wuhan-coronavirus-chinese-wet-market-photos-2020-1/?r=US&IR=T Experts haven’t yet confirmed the animal species that enabled the Wuhan coronavirus to spread to people]”. ''Business Insider.'' January 27, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020. </ref> | ||
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The speculation that 2019-nCOv is deadlier than [[Wuhan virus in Singapore (2020)|SARS]] is inconclusive. It is based on an initial study conducted by a group of Hong Kong scientists. They posit that the fatality rate of infected individuals stands at 14% (4 out of 29 severely-ill patients). However, there is not enough information for a clear estimate as the outbreak is still growing and being investigated.<ref>Tan, Ee Lyn. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/wuhan-virus-versus-sars-which-is-more-deadly Wuhan virus versus Sars - which is more deadly?]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref> | The speculation that 2019-nCOv is deadlier than [[Wuhan virus in Singapore (2020)|SARS]] is inconclusive. It is based on an initial study conducted by a group of Hong Kong scientists. They posit that the fatality rate of infected individuals stands at 14% (4 out of 29 severely-ill patients). However, there is not enough information for a clear estimate as the outbreak is still growing and being investigated.<ref>Tan, Ee Lyn. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/wuhan-virus-versus-sars-which-is-more-deadly Wuhan virus versus Sars - which is more deadly?]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref> | ||
=== Virus could be more contagious than SARS === | ===Virus could be more contagious than SARS=== | ||
The speculation that 2019-nCOv is more contagious than SARS is inconclusive. Chinese officials claimed that the 2019-nCov could be asymptomatic, unlike the SARS virus. This means that infected individuals could still be infectious despite not showing any symptoms.<ref>JULIA NAFTULIN. “[https://www.sciencealert.com/wuhan-coronavirus-can-be-infectious-before-people-show-symptoms-official-claims Wuhan Coronavirus Can Be Infectious Before People Show Symptoms, Official Claims]”. ''Business Insider.'' January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51254523 China coronavirus 'spreads before symptoms show]”. ''BBC News.'' January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref> | The speculation that 2019-nCOv is more contagious than SARS is inconclusive. Chinese officials claimed that the 2019-nCov could be asymptomatic, unlike the SARS virus. This means that infected individuals could still be infectious despite not showing any symptoms.<ref>JULIA NAFTULIN. “[https://www.sciencealert.com/wuhan-coronavirus-can-be-infectious-before-people-show-symptoms-official-claims Wuhan Coronavirus Can Be Infectious Before People Show Symptoms, Official Claims]”. ''Business Insider.'' January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51254523 China coronavirus 'spreads before symptoms show]”. ''BBC News.'' January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref> | ||
==References / Citations== | ==References / Citations== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 18:32, 29 January 2020
Since the first confirmed case in Singapore, certain individuals have been spreading fake news about the virus on internet forums and chat groups. These claims have been debunked by government authorities. For a more detailed timeline of how the virus came to Singapore, refer to this entry.
Confirmed cases in Singapore
January 2020
The following table documents the weekly and monthly tally of confirmed infected individuals in Singapore for January 2020. The first suspected case was reported on 4 January 2020 (Week 1).
| Confirmed Cases | Deaths | Refs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | - | - | - |
| Week 2 | - | - | - |
| Week 3 | - | - | - |
| Week 4 | 4 | - | [1][2][3] |
| Week 5 | 3 | - | [4][5] |
| Total | 7 | 0 | - |
Clarification of fake news in Singapore
The facts in this section have been cross-checked with official statements from the relevant authorities. These include the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other local government bodies.
Fact: No deaths in January 2020
| False Claims | Status | Fact | Fact-Checking Authorities | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “First death” in Singapore | Debunked | There were no deaths caused by the 2019-nCov virus in January 2020. | Factually | [6][7] |
| "Death" from visiting a shopping mall in Singapore | Debunked | Ministry of Health (MOH) | [8] | |
| Factually | [9] |
Fact: Public hospitals are safe to visit
.jpg)
Inside a NEP isolation room in the NCID at Singapore General Hospital. Retrieved from The Straits Times.
On 24 January 2020, the Ministry of Health (MOH) debunked the assumption that certain public hospitals were unsafe because of the virus.
| False Claim | Status | Fact | Fact-checking Authorities | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avoid visiting certain public hospitals as suspected and confirmed cases have been quarantined at said locations. | Debunked | All 9 public hospitals in Singapore have negative pressure (NEP) isolation rooms. Contaminated air goes through filters and is UV-treated before being released.[10] | Factually | [11] |
| Ministry of Health (MOH) | [12] |
Fact: Virus transmitted through cough & sneeze droplets
| False Claim | Status | Fact | Fact-checking Authority | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keep throat "constantly moist" to prevent infection | Debunked | A moist throat does not deter infection. | Ministry of Health (MOH) | [13][14] |
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), there is no known vaccine for the Wuhan virus (2019-nCov) as of January 2020. Therefore, all information regarding home remedies and self-medication (such as the above) are presumed to be false until confirmed by a legitimate health authority.
Fact: Restricted entry for Chinese travellers
On 25 January 2020, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) debunked rumours that Wuhan travellers were denied entry into Singapore. This was three days before Singapore officially declared a limited travel ban on travellers from Hubei province, China.
| False Claim | Status | Facts | Fact-checking Authorities | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 arriving travellers from Wuhan were "denied" entry
(25 January 2020) |
Debunked | Singapore did not turn away visitors from Wuhan before 28 January 2020. | Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) | [15] |
| Factually | [16] | |||
| Only on 28 January 2020 was there a restriction on travellers from Hubei. | Ministry of National Development, Wuhan Virus Task Force | [17] |
Common speculations
As this is a rapidly developing situation, scientists and virologists worldwide have conducted independent research into the virus. The following are common speculations about the virus that has yet to be confirmed by a global health authority.
Bats were the host animals for the SARS coronavirus in 2003. Retrieved from Business Insider Singapore.
Bats could be the original host animal
So far, researchers have found out that the genetic make-up of the nCov-2019 is 96% identical to coronavirus found in fruit bats.[18] It is unlikely that snakes are the main source of the zoonotic transmission. However, there is no confirmation on what animal infected patient zero. Bats could have passed the virus onto another species sold at Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.[19][20]
Virus could have originated outside of Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market
Studies have shown that 2019-nCov may have been passed from animal to human before entering the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.[21][22] The lack of proper hygiene practices at the market and close human proximity may have only exacerbated the virus transmission.[23][24]
Virus could be deadlier than SARS
The speculation that 2019-nCOv is deadlier than SARS is inconclusive. It is based on an initial study conducted by a group of Hong Kong scientists. They posit that the fatality rate of infected individuals stands at 14% (4 out of 29 severely-ill patients). However, there is not enough information for a clear estimate as the outbreak is still growing and being investigated.[25]
Virus could be more contagious than SARS
The speculation that 2019-nCOv is more contagious than SARS is inconclusive. Chinese officials claimed that the 2019-nCov could be asymptomatic, unlike the SARS virus. This means that infected individuals could still be infectious despite not showing any symptoms.[26][27]
References / Citations
- ↑ “Confirmed Imported Case Of Novel Coronavirus Infection In Singapore; Multi-ministry Taskforce Ramps Up Precautionary Measures”. Ministry of Health. January 23, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ “Two More Cases Of Confirmed Imported Case Of Novel Coronavirus Infection In Singapore”. Ministry of Health. January 24, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ “Fourth Confirmed Imported Case Of Wuhan Coronavirus Infection In Singapore". Ministry of Health. January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ “Fifth Confirmed Imported Case Of Wuhan Coronavirus Infection In Singapore”. Ministry of Health. January 27, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Chang, Ai-Lien; Khalik, Salma and Goh, Timothy. “Wuhan virus: 2 new confirmed cases in Singapore, bringing total to 7; no entry or transit for new visitors from Hubei”. The Straits Times. January 28, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ “Clarifications on misinformation regarding the Wuhan coronavirus”. Factually. January 25, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ "Corrections and clarifications regarding falsehoods posted on HardwareZone Forum Post". Factually. January 27, 2020. Accessed on 29 January 2020.
- ↑ Ministry of Health, Singapore. Facebook. January 25, 2020. Accessed on 29 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/154909330630/posts/10157707239240631/?d=n
- ↑ “Clarifications on misinformation regarding the Wuhan coronavirus”. Factually. January 25, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Khalik, Salma. “Why first confirmed patient is being kept in isolation at SGH”. The Straits Times. January 25, 2020. Accessed on 28 January 2020.
- ↑ “Clarifications on misinformation regarding the Wuhan coronavirus”. Factually. January 25, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Ministry of Health, Singapore. Facebook. January 24, 2020. Accessed on 29 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/154909330630/posts/10157704693475631/?d=n
- ↑ “'MOH advice' on how not to catch influenza is a hoax”. The Straits Times. January 07, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Wuhan Coronavirus Situation in China.” Ministry of Health. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Facebook. January 25, 2020. Accessed on 29 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/169550633394859/posts/1100090497007530
- ↑ “Clarifications on misinformation regarding the Wuhan coronavirus”. Factually. January 25, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Chang, Ai-Lien and Khalik, Salma and Goh, Timothy. “Wuhan virus: 2 new confirmed cases in Singapore, bringing total to 7; no entry or transit for new visitors from Hubei”. The Straits Times. January 28, 2020. Accessed on 28 January 2020.
- ↑ “Virus in Chinese outbreak is closest to one from bats, not snakes”. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review. January 23, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Zhou, Peng, Xing-Lou Yang, Xian-Guang Wang, Ben Hu, Lei Zhang, Wei Zhang, Hao-Rui Si, et al. “Discovery of a Novel Coronavirus Associated with the Recent Pneumonia Outbreak in Humans and Its Potential Bat Origin”. BioRxiv, January 23, 2020.
- ↑ Aylln Woodward. “Experts haven’t yet confirmed the animal species that enabled the Wuhan coronavirus to spread to people”. Business Insider. January 27, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Sahar Esfandlarl. “A new report indicates that the deadly Chinese coronavirus may not actually have originated at a wet market in Wuhan”. Business Insider. January 27, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Cohen, John. “Wuhan seafood market may not be source of novel virus spreading globally.” AAAS. January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Palmer, James. “Don’t Blame Bat Soup for the Wuhan Virus". Foreign Policy. January 27, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ Huang, Chaolin, Yeming Wang, Xingwang Li, Lili Ren, Jianping Zhao, Yi Hu, Li Zhang, et al. “Clinical Features of Patients Infected with 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Wuhan, China”. The Lancet, January 24, 2020.
- ↑ Tan, Ee Lyn. “Wuhan virus versus Sars - which is more deadly?”. The Straits Times. January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ JULIA NAFTULIN. “Wuhan Coronavirus Can Be Infectious Before People Show Symptoms, Official Claims”. Business Insider. January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.
- ↑ “China coronavirus 'spreads before symptoms show”. BBC News. January 26, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.