• John H @JohnH6 Mod Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 3y

    Coronavirus misinformation

    The following email containing incorrect information is currently circulating. It does not originate from John Hoskings Hospital:>From John's Hopkins Hospital - great
    > explanation! Worth the time*
    >
    */From John's Hopkins Hospital/*

    This Covid-19 virus is not a living organism.It is a protein
    molecule (RNA or DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid
    (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular (eyes),
    nasal (nose) or buccal mucosa (mouth), changes their genetic code
    (mutates) and converts into aggressor and multiplier cells.

    * Since the virus is not a living organism, but is a protein
    molecule, it cannot be killed. It has to decay on its own. *The
    disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type
    of material where it lies.*

    ** The covid-19 virus is very fragile; the only thing that
    protects it is a thin outer layer of fat and that is the reason
    why soap or detergent is the best weapon. The foam CUTS THE FAT
    (that is why you have to scrub for 20 seconds or more, to create
    lots of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule
    disperses and breaks down.*

    * HEAT melts fat; this is why it is necessary to use water above
    77 degrees for hand washing, laundry and cleaning surfaces. In
    addition, hot water makes more foam, making it more effective.

    * Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ALL FAT,
    especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

    ** Any solution with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly
    dissolves the protein, breaking it down from the inside.*

    * Oxygenated water increases the effectiveness of soap, alcohol
    and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein.
    However, because you have to use it in its pure form, it can
    damage your skin.

    * NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC WILL WORK because the virus is not
    a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is
    not alive.

    * The virus molecules remain very stable at colder temperatures,
    including air conditioning in houses and cars. They also need
    moisture and darkness to stay stable. Therefore, dehumidified,
    dry, warm and bright environments will degrade the virus faster.

    * UV LIGHT on any object that may contain the virus breaks down
    the protein. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is
    protein) in the skin.

    * The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

    * Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the
    protective layer of fat.

    * NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is only 40%
    alcohol, and you need a minimum of 65%.

    * LISTERINE is 65% alcohol.

    * The more confined the space, the higher the concentration of
    the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated,
    the less.

    * You have to wash your hands before and after touching any
    commonly used surfaces such as : mucosa (mouth area) , food,
    locks, knobs, switches, remotes, cell phones, watches, computers,
    desks etc. and don’t forget when you use the bathroom.

    * You have to MOISTURIZE YOUR HANDS due to frequent washing. Dry
    hands have cracks and the molecules can hide in the micro cracks
    The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

    * Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide
    there.

    */PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS/*
    The message, which has no identifiable connection to Johns Hopkins, includes approximately 20 bullet points, the first of which begins "The virus is not a living organism … ." It is sometimes attributed to a Johns Hopkins doctor, or immunologist, or to "Irene Ken, whose daughter is an Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University."

    The information, which is being widely shared via email and on social media, has been reviewed by the popular online fact-checking resource Snopes and labeled "misattributed." A Johns Hopkins statement says the message "lack[s] credibility."

Scams of any type.

Post scams of any type. If it is not from personal experience, check its veracity if you can; Snopes.com is a good reference. I shall be posting IT scams as I become aware of them, and you of course, can do the same.