jpd459/healthver_resplit_larger huggingface dataset:
Claim: Yes, 5G radiation causes Covid-19 
Question: Can 5G technology cause COVID-19?
Evidence: 5G communication technology has the characteristics of faster speed, shorter time delay and denser capacity. In COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control work, it can further improve the efficiency of doctors&apos; diagnosis, improve patients&apos; medical experience, realize the remote sharing of high-quality medical resources and real-time information exchange, effectively block the spread of epidemic, alleviate the shortage of medical resources and medical staff, and make the epidemic prevention and control more efficient.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Ultraviolet lamps kill the COVID-19 virus.
Question: Does UV light help in preventing covid-19?
Evidence: This in vitro study demonstrated that irradiation with a deep ultraviolet light-emitting diode (DUV-LED) of 280 5 nm wavelength rapidly inactivates SARS-CoV-2 obtained from a COVID-19 patient.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone
Question: what are the early symptoms of COVID-19?
Evidence: Acute abdomen as an early symptom of COVID-19.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Early studies have found that cats are the animals most likely to catch the new coronavirus. They can also show symptoms of COVID-19 and might be able to pass it to other cats.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Cellular angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of SARS-CoV-2 which is identical or similar in different species of animals such as pigs, ferrets, cats, orangutans, monkeys, and humans. Moreover, a recent study predicted that dog might be secondary host during the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 from bat to human. Therefore, there is a possibility of spreading SARS-CoV-2 through domestic pets.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Many mammals around the world could have a role in spreading the disease, including dogs and cats.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Notification of presumptive positive animal test results triggered a One Health* investigation by state and federal partners, who determined that no further transmission events to other animals or persons had occurred.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Severe COVID-19 outcomes decreases as the pandemic progressed from winter to the warmer months
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: COVID-19, due to its regular flu-like symptoms, is also expected to show similar seasonality and subside as the global temperatures rise in the northern hemisphere with the onset of spring
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Can COVID-19 be spread from pets to people or other pets? According to the latest information from the CDC , the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is very low. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it's always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19 to people?
Evidence: ferrets and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 as infected by virus inoculation and can transmit the virus directly or indirectly by droplets or airborne routes.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: If your head is spinning, let medical experts provide some focus on one of the symptoms of the coronavirus.
Question: what are the early symptoms of COVID-19?
Evidence: Anosmia and ageusia as primary symptoms of COVID-19
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: We find that the critical mask adherence is 5 per 100 when 80% wear face masks.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Vitamins and Minerals Help Fight Coronavirus
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: CONCLUSION The use of IV vitamin C in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 disease may be feasible.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: a popular treatment to tamp down the immune system in severely ill patients may help a few, but could harm many others. 
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: The number of these epitopes and the prevalence of the common coronaviruses suggest that a large part of the world population has some degree of specific immunity against SARS-CoV-2 already, even without having been infected by that virus.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Coronaviruses cause respiratory illnesses, so the lungs are usually affected first. Early symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence:  According to this hypothesis vaccine formulations (tetanus, diphtheria, Bordetella pertussis) could be re-administrate after the first contact with Covid-19, better before the development of respiratory severe illness and of course before full-blown ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). The CD4+ memory exploiting could help immune system to recall immunity of already know antigens against coronaviruses, avoiding or limiting lung crash until virus specific immunity develops and making it faster and prolonged. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Likewise, the S protein nucleotide sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus isolated in domestic animals and humans is identical, and the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 in cats is efficient.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Drugs widely used to treat high blood pressure appear to make COVID-19 dangerously worse.
Question: are patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors at increased risk for COVID-19?
Evidence: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers are not associated with severe COVID-19 infection in a multi-site UK acute hospital trust
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Dogs can test positive for the virus.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Experimental data showed ferrets and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 as infected by virus inoculation and can transmit the virus directly or indirectly by droplets or airborne route.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: There's No Evidence That Vitamin-D Prevents Coronavirus 
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: a small reverse correlation between mortality rate and vitamin D status was observed throughout the globe (r= -0.177). In Asia, a medium direct correlation was observed for recovery rate (r= 0.317) and a significant reveres correlation for mortality rate (r= -0.700) with vitamin D status in such patients.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: fever is beneficial to the body's natural immune response to fight covid-19;
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: When compared with exclusive paracetamol users, no differences were observed in mortality rates or the need for respiratory support among patients using ibuprofen.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: the mechanism behind the protective effects of smoking could be found in nicotine
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Epidemiological and laboratory research seems to suggest that smoking and perhaps nicotine alone could reduce the severity of COVID-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Vitamin D Does Not Cure Covid-19 But It Plays an Important Role
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Several studies demonstrated the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of acute viral respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. These include direct inhibition with viral replication or with anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory ways. In the meta-analysis, vitamin D supplementation has been shown as safe and effective against acute respiratory tract infections. Thus, people who are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency during this global pandemic should consider taking vitamin D supplements to maintain the circulating 25(OH)D in the optimal levels (75-125nmol/L).
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Does wearing a mask help reduce my risk of COVID-19? Cloth and surgical masks help stop droplets spreading when people talk, cough and sneeze, which reduces the risk of spreading the virus.
Question: Can wearing masks help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Face masks are an avenue to curb the spread of coronavirus, but few people in Western societies wear face masks.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Hypothesis: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers may increase the risk of severe COVID-19
Question: are patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors at increased risk for COVID-19?
Evidence: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers are not associated with severe COVID-19 infection in a multi-site UK acute hospital trust
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting severely sick from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: Based on animal experiments, already acquired data on other coronavirus types and plausibility assumptions, it can be assumed that seroconverted patients have an immunity of limited duration and only a very low risk of reinfection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Unfortunately, to date, no vaccines or antiviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection by regulatory agencies.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: There is no therapeutic FDA-approved drug against SARS-CoV-2 infection, although a combination of anti-viral drugs is directly being practiced in some countries. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Ferrets can catch the coronavirus and might give it to other ferrets. But poultry and pigs don't appear to be at risk.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Cellular angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of SARS-CoV-2 which is identical or similar in different species of animals such as pigs, ferrets, cats, orangutans, monkeys, and humans. Moreover, a recent study predicted that dog might be secondary host during the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 from bat to human. Therefore, there is a possibility of spreading SARS-CoV-2 through domestic pets.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: there is no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of covid-19
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: The Expert Working Group on the Commission of Human Medicines in the UK and other organizations have stated that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between ibuprofen and susceptibility to or exacerbation of COVID-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Our results indicate that surgical face masks could prevent transmission of human coronaviruses and influenza viruses from symptomatic individuals.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: there are few novel sars-cov-2 cases in malaria countries because of the use of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine.
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: HCQ should be prescribed as a part of treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients, with possible outcome of saving lives.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The high temperature and low relative humidity lead to high evaporation rates of saliva-contaminated droplets, thus significantly reducing the coronavirus viability
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: the temperature changes retarded the growth rate and found that -6.28{degrees}C and +14.51{degrees}C temperature is the favorable range for COVID-19 growth
Verdict: Supports
Claim: he virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: It was found that 83% and 77% of the bedside surfaces of MRSA-positive and MRSA-negative patients respectively were contaminated with staphylococci at 08:00 hours, and that the staphylococcal concentrations increased by 80% at 1200 h over a 4-hour period with routine ward and clinical activities.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: To minimize coronavirus risk, use alcohol for sanitizing, not for drinking
Question: Can drinking alcohol help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Is drinking a healthy way of coping? No.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: If the person is asymptomatic but was tested after having close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection or as part of a response to an outbreak (e.g., facility has a resident with nursing-home onset COVID-19 or a HCP with COVID-19), then they should also be considered to have SARS-CoV-2 infection and managed as described above.
Question: what is known about people that have COVID-19 without any symptoms?
Evidence: APs with COVID-19 still have certain period of viral shedding, which suggests the possibility of transmission during their asymptomatic period.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: masks protect you as the wearer and protects others
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: It would therefore be reasonable to suggest that consistent widespread use of face masks in the community could prevent further spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Surgical Masks Stop Transmission Of COVID-19 From Symptomatic People
Question: Does a surgical mask help avoid COVID-19?
Evidence: During COVID-19 pandemic crisis, Italian Government has approved Law Decree no. 18 of 17 march 2020, in which art. 15 allows enterprises to produce, import and commercialize surgical masks notwithstanding the current rules of product certification. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: young peope are not at risk and do not die from covid-19
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence:  The COVID-19 population-level mortality rate (per 100,000 person-years) increased with age: from 0.1 deaths among 30-39 year olds to 9.5 deaths among 80 year olds.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: If you're worried about corona, only the N95 mask will protect you
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: We find that the critical mask adherence is 5 per 100 when 80% wear face masks.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: he virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: The risk of transmission via touching contaminated paper is low.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Hidden immune weakness found in gravely ill COVID-19 patients.
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: In this study, we collected blood from COVID-19 patients who have recently become virus-free and therefore were discharged, and analyzed their SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and T cell responses. We observed SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and cellular immunity in the patients. Both were detected in newly discharged patients, suggesting both participate in immune-mediated protection to viral infection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of of ibuprofen.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: However, available data from limited studies show administration of recombinant ACE2 improves lung damage caused by respiratory viruses, suggesting ibuprofen use may be beneficial in COVID-19 disease. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Because SARS-CoV-2 has been discovered so recently, there haven't been many studies looking at how effective cleaners are against it
Question: Can vinegar help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Numerous clinical trials have been launched to identify effective treatments for COVID-19. Initial data from a placebo-controlled study suggest faster time to recovery in patients on remdesivir; it is now being evaluated in additional controlled studies.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Vitamins C and D boost our immune systems, aiding in the fight against infectious diseases; 
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: Distinguishing pre-existing and de novo antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 will be critical for serology, seroprevalence and vaccine studies, as well as for our understanding of susceptibility to and natural course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: headaches are rarely the sole symptom present in a coronavirus patient.
Question: Is a headache sign of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Clinical symptoms included fever (100%), cough (69.6%), expectoration (43.5%), myalgia (26.1%), headache (17.4%) and dyspnea (17.4%), and the less common symptom was diarrhea (4.3%).
Verdict: Supports
Claim: High Blood Pressure Doesn't Seem To Raise COVID-19 Risk
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with hypertension?
Evidence: Hypertension was associated with increased composite poor outcome, including mortality, severe COVID-19, ARDS, need for ICU care and disease progression in patients with COVID-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: It does not make a lot of sense that if somebody is otherwise healthy and young and they have hypertension alone, that they should be at increased risk
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with hypertension?
Evidence: Hypertension appeared consistently as the most prevalent risk factors in COVID-19 patients.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: No, garlic doesn't cure coronavirus. 
Question: Does garlic protect against covid-19
Evidence: In conclusion, Allium sativum may be an acceptable preventive measure against COVID-19 infection to boost immune system cells and to repress the production and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines as well as an adipose tissue derived hormone leptin having the proinflammatory nature.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: coronavirus is man-made
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: The results obtained from various AI-enabled experiments using clustering algorithms demonstrate that all examined COVID-19 virus genomes belong to a cluster that also contains bat and pangolin coronavirus genomes.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: covid-19 patients taking hydroxychloroquine do not benefit
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: mortality rate was increased when the treatment was conducted with hydroxychloroquine.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: the Covid-19 coronavirus can stay on various surfaces for a while
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: Our findings of extensive viral RNA contamination of surfaces and air across a range of acute healthcare settings in the absence of cultured virus underlines the potential risk from surface and air contamination in managing COVID-19, and the need for effective use of PPE, social distancing, and hand/surface hygiene.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as a high temperature can make coronavirus (covid-19) worse
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of COVID-19 patients, ibuprofen use was not associated with worse clinical outcomes, compared with paracetamol or no antipyretic.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: it appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals after close contact with people with COVID-19
Question: Can coronaviruses spread from people to animals?
Evidence: SARS-CoV-2 has crossed the species barrier to infect humans and other animal species, and infected humans can facilitate reverse-zoonotic transmission to animals.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Cats may be able to spread coronavirus to humans despite showing no symptoms
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19 to people?
Evidence: There are now many reports of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases in dogs, cats, tigers, lion, and minks. Experimental data showed ferrets and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 as infected by virus inoculation and can transmit the virus directly or indirectly by droplets or airborne route.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Can acetaminophen (Tylenol) treat the coronavirus disease? No
Question: Can acetaminophen (Tylenol) treat the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Antiviral drugs like lopinavir/ritonavir, favipiravir and remdesivir are also being explored. Cytokine storm and secondary HLH might require heightened immunosuppressive regimens.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: There is also evidence that smokers in hospital who have coronavirus are at a higher risk than non-smokers of severe illness and death. While it's important to prevent getting COVID-19 in the first place, it's also essential that we do all we can to keep our lungs healthy to avoid the worst affects of the disease.
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Higher genetically proxied BMI and lifetime smoking score were associated with increased risk of sepsis in both UK Biobank (BMI: odds ratio 1.38 per standard deviation increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27 to 1.51
Verdict: Supports
Claim: COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, like a tabletop
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: Our findings of extensive viral RNA contamination of surfaces and air across a range of acute healthcare settings in the absence of cultured virus underlines the potential risk from surface and air contamination in managing COVID-19, and the need for effective use of PPE, social distancing, and hand/surface hygiene.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Hidden immune weakness found in gravely ill COVID-19 patients.
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: Based on animal experiments, already acquired data on other coronavirus types and plausibility assumptions, it can be assumed that seroconverted patients have an immunity of limited duration and only a very low risk of reinfection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: There is also evidence that smokers in hospital who have coronavirus are at a higher risk than non-smokers of severe illness and death. While it's important to prevent getting COVID-19 in the first place, it's also essential that we do all we can to keep our lungs healthy to avoid the worst affects of the disease.
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Our findings support a causal effect of elevated BMI and smoking on risk of sepsis and severe covid-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: a small reverse correlation between mortality rate and vitamin D status was observed throughout the globe (r= -0.177). In Asia, a medium direct correlation was observed for recovery rate (r= 0.317) and a significant reveres correlation for mortality rate (r= -0.700) with vitamin D status in such patients.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: No, garlic doesn't cure coronavirus. 
Question: Does garlic protect against covid-19
Evidence: compounds derived from Allium sativum (garlic) have the potential to decrease the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and to reverse the immunological abnormalities to more acceptable levels. Allium sativum is suggested as a beneficial preventive measure before being infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Coronavirus remains stable on metals and plastic for three days. Outside a lab, however, the virus might last considerably longer: its genetic material could be detected on surfaces 17 days after a cruise ship was empty of passengers (although it's not clear whether that material represents infectious virus particles).
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence:  Susceptible persons who contacted these contaminated surfaces may transfer the pathogens to their mucous membranes via hands, leading to a risk of respiratory infection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Wearing the N95 respirator mask can protect against coronavirus
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: We find that the critical mask adherence is 5 per 100 when 80% wear face masks.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: high doses of vitamins and natural remedies can stave off COVID-19 — but evidence to support these claims is lacking.
Question: Are there natural remedies that will prevent me from getting infected with COVID-19?
Evidence: As no vaccine is available for COVID-19, the development of directly acting antiviral agents and preventive strategies have to be considered.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: the Covid-19 coronavirus can stay on various surfaces for a while
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is transmitted by person-to-person contact, via airborne droplets, or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of of ibuprofen.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: It was recently suggested that ibuprofen might increase the risk for severe and fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and should therefore be avoided in this patient population.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: No drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for COVID-19, although dozens of candidates - including drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, parasites, cancer, and HIV - have been proposed
Question: Are there any antiviral drugs to treat the coronavirus disease? 
Evidence: Scientists are endeavoring to find antivirals specific to the virus.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Ferrets can catch the coronavirus and might give it to other ferrets. But poultry and pigs don't appear to be at risk.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Although there is currently no evidence that animals play a substantial role in spreading COVID-19, CDC advises persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to restrict contact with animals during their illness and to monitor any animals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and separate them from other persons and animals at home (1).
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: coronavirus is man-made
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: Although to date it is considered that Covid19 originates from bats (96.2% overall genome sequence identity) (1), the type of intermediate animals that caused the transmission to humans remains unknown (2-4).
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Further, the report enlightened on the use of vitamin D on COVID-19 patients
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Several studies demonstrated the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of acute viral respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. These include direct inhibition with viral replication or with anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory ways. In the meta-analysis, vitamin D supplementation has been shown as safe and effective against acute respiratory tract infections. Thus, people who are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency during this global pandemic should consider taking vitamin D supplements to maintain the circulating 25(OH)D in the optimal levels (75-125nmol/L).
Verdict: Supports
Claim: dexamethasone has only been shown to have positive effects in patients who require supplemental oxygen.
Question: what evidence is there for dexamethasone as a treatment for COVID-19?
Evidence: To date, there has been no definite therapy for COVID-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: the Covid-19 coronavirus can stay on various surfaces for a while
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: In this new study, human coronavirus 229E was rapidly inactivated on a range of copper alloys (within a few minutes for simulated fingertip contamination) and Cu/Zn brasses were very effective at lower copper concentration.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Vitamins and Minerals Help Fight Coronavirus
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: The majority of documents encouraged the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Thirty-one percent of the guidelines highlighted the importance of minerals and vitamins such as zinc and vitamins C, A, and D to maintain a well-functioning immune system.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: The high temperature and low relative humidity lead to high evaporation rates of saliva-contaminated droplets, thus significantly reducing the coronavirus viability
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: COVID-19, due to its regular flu-like symptoms, is also expected to show similar seasonality and subside as the global temperatures rise in the northern hemisphere with the onset of spring
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Yes, 5G radiation causes Covid-19 
Question: Can 5G technology cause COVID-19?
Evidence: a popular theory has linked 5G to the spread of COVID-19
Verdict: Supports
Claim: hydroxychloroquine cures covid-19.
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: The odds of mortality were significantly higher in patients treated with Hydroxychloroquine + Azithromycin than supportive care alone [2.34 (95% CI: 1.63, 3.34); I2 = 0%]. A pooled analysis of recently published studies suggests no additional benefit for reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients when Hydroxychloroquine is given as add-on to the standard care.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Hydroxychloroquine is an Effective Treatment for COVID-19
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: early empiric short-term administration of HCQ in symptomatic individuals, may be a promising, safe and low-cost strategy.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Avoid medications to lower fever if sick with the new coronavirus
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: For NSAIDs, there is no clear scientific evidence linking ibuprofen and other NSAIDs to worsening of COVID-19;
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Unfortunately, to date, no vaccines or antiviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection by regulatory agencies.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: We show that a high (5106 pfu) and medium (5104 pfu) dose of SARS-CoV-2 induces consistent upper respiratory tract (URT) viral RNA shedding in both groups of six challenged animals, whilst a low dose (5102 pfu) resulted in only one of six displaying signs of URT viral RNA replication.  
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Unfortunately, to date, no vaccines or antiviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection by regulatory agencies.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: The results suggest the effectiveness of Ribavirin, Remdesivir, Sofosbuvir, Galidesivir, and Tenofovir as potent drugs against SARS-CoV-2 since they tightly bind to its RdRp. In addition, the results suggest guanosine derivative (IDX-184), Setrobuvir, and YAK as top seeds for antiviral treatments with high potential to fight the SARS-CoV-2 strain specifically. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: covid-19 isn't a risk for young people
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence: We estimate an overall infection fatality rate of 1.29% (95% credible interval [CrI] 0.89 - 2.01), as well as large differences by age, with a low infection fatality rate of 0.05% for under 60 year old (CrI 0-.19) and a substantially higher 4.25% (CrI 3.01-6.39) for people above 60 years of age.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Covid-19 kills also young people
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence: As COVID-19 mortality occurs mainly in elderly and as Africa has a comparably young population, the death rates should be lower than on other continents. We calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMR) using age-specific case fatality rates for COVID-19 and the age structure of the population of Africa and of other continents. Compared to a European or Northern American population, the standardised mortality ratio was only 0.22 and 0.25, respectively, corresponding to reduction of deaths rates to a quarter. Compared to the Asian and Latin American & Caribbean population, the SMR was 0.43 and 0.44, respectively, corresponding to half the death rate for Africa.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Can apple cider vinegar prevent the coronavirus? Nothing can really prevent the corona virus (COVid-19) all that authorities can do is slow it down which is why such tough measures are being enforced in some countries.
Question: Can vinegar help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Scientific researches on these drugs reveal the presence of a number of pharmacologically active substances, which may provide a new insight into the management of infections and epidemics.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: The most important thing to know about using over-the-counter medications to treat COVID-19 is that none of these common drugstore products are actually going to treat the virus itself.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: For NSAIDs, there is no clear scientific evidence linking ibuprofen and other NSAIDs to worsening of COVID-19;
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Evidence is currently lacking and it is too early to make robust conclusions on any link between use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II type-I receptor blockers with risk or severity of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.
Question: are patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors at increased risk for COVID-19?
Evidence: Patients who take ACEIs and ARBS may be at increased risk of severe disease outcomes due to SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Can acetaminophen (Tylenol) treat the coronavirus disease? No
Question: Can acetaminophen (Tylenol) treat the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: We discuss evidence regarding role of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in treatment and prophylaxis, use of inhibitors of the renin angiotensin system, safety of ibuprofen, unusual clinical features like gastrointestinal symptoms and interpretation of tests for cardiac enzymes and biomarkers.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: a popular treatment to tamp down the immune system in severely ill patients may help a few, but could harm many others. 
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence:  According to this hypothesis vaccine formulations (tetanus, diphtheria, Bordetella pertussis) could be re-administrate after the first contact with Covid-19, better before the development of respiratory severe illness and of course before full-blown ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). The CD4+ memory exploiting could help immune system to recall immunity of already know antigens against coronaviruses, avoiding or limiting lung crash until virus specific immunity develops and making it faster and prolonged. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: COVID-19 spreads by contact with respiratory droplets that spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Question: How can I reduce the risk of getting COVID-19?
Evidence: To share a useful intervention to minimize risk of COVID-19 infection to both healthcare workers and patients in the eye clinic.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Many readers have written in to ask whether ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can worsen COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: For NSAIDs, there is no clear scientific evidence linking ibuprofen and other NSAIDs to worsening of COVID-19;
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: N95 masks are more effective than regular masks.
Question: How much impact do masks have on preventing the spread of the COVID-19?
Evidence: Model simulations, using data relevant to COVID-19 dynamics in the US states of New York and Washington, suggest that broad adoption of even relatively ineffective face masks may meaningfully reduce community transmission of COVID-19 and decrease peak hospitalizations and deaths.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Various coronaviruses infect numerous species, but the first human coronaviruses weren't discovered until the mid-1960s.
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: The results obtained from various AI-enabled experiments using clustering algorithms demonstrate that all examined COVID-19 virus genomes belong to a cluster that also contains bat and pangolin coronavirus genomes.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
Question: Do COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 mean the same thing?
Evidence: The data shown here give hints on the origin of this virus and may inform efforts on transmissibility, host adaptation and other biological aspects of this virus.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: The CORONAVIRUS did not emerge in Wuhan
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: Although to date it is considered that Covid19 originates from bats (96.2% overall genome sequence identity) (1), the type of intermediate animals that caused the transmission to humans remains unknown (2-4).
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: the virus can stay on surfaces long enough to be a source of transmission
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: Most viruses from the respiratory tract, such as coronaviruses, influenza, SARS-CoV, or rhinovirus, can persist on surfaces for a few days.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Covid-19 is infecting quite a few people, many with vicious effects.
Question: Can smoking cannabis (weed) help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Data indicate CVIR demonstrates significant trends across cannabis use intensity quintiles and with relaxed cannabis legislation. Recent cannabis use is independently predictive of CVIR in bivariate and multivariable adjusted models and intensity of use is interactively significant. Cannabis thus joins tobacco as a SARS2-CoV-2 risk factor.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and Advil, reduce fever, pain, and inflammation.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication that is used widely for the treatment of pain and fever during COVID-19 pandemic.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Can COVID-19 be spread from pets to people or other pets? According to the latest information from the CDC , the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is very low. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it's always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19 to people?
Evidence: Although animal-to-animal transmission has been shown to be possible, there is no evidence of animal-to-human transmission.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Like other viruses with a lipid envelope, SARS-CoV-2 is probably sensitive to temperature, humidity, and solar radiation
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: Being a novel pandemic coronavirus version, it might be ongoing during summer conditions associated with higher air temperatures, low relative humidity and precipitation levels.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: the mechanism behind the protective effects of smoking could be found in nicotine
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Smoking has complicated effects on the immune system involving both up and down regulation, any of which might alone or in concert antagonize progression of COVID-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Vitamins and Minerals Help Fight Coronavirus
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Although COVID-19 can be rapidly diagnosed, efficient clinical treatment of COVID-19 remains unavailable, resulting in high fatality.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Smoking is a risk factor for COVID-19 patients, but one particular substance in cigarettes - nicotine - might prevent infection in some people, or improve COVID-19 prognosis
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Higher genetically proxied BMI and lifetime smoking score were associated with increased risk of sepsis in both UK Biobank (BMI: odds ratio 1.38 per standard deviation increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27 to 1.51
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: the risk of pets spreading Covid-19 to humans is considered 'medium'
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Although there is currently no evidence that animals play a substantial role in spreading COVID-19, CDC advises persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to restrict contact with animals during their illness and to monitor any animals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and separate them from other persons and animals at home (1).
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees does not prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Question: Does UV light help in preventing covid-19?
Evidence: Using published data from various sources it is shown that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is highly likely to be susceptible to UV damage while suspended in air irradiated by UV-C at levels that are acceptable and safe for upper-room applications.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: 2) addresses controversies surrounding the mask from perspectives of attitude, effectiveness, and necessity of wearing the mask with evidence that the use of mask would effectively interrupt the transmission of infectious diseases in both hospital settings and community settings;
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Wearing the N95 respirator mask can protect against coronavirus
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Our results indicate that surgical face masks could prevent transmission of human coronaviruses and influenza viruses from symptomatic individuals.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The most important thing to know about using over-the-counter medications to treat COVID-19 is that none of these common drugstore products are actually going to treat the virus itself.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: However, available data from limited studies show administration of recombinant ACE2 improves lung damage caused by respiratory viruses, suggesting ibuprofen use may be beneficial in COVID-19 disease. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Although there is currently no evidence that animals play a substantial role in spreading COVID-19, CDC advises persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to restrict contact with animals during their illness and to monitor any animals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and separate them from other persons and animals at home (1).
Verdict: Supports
Claim: the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can infect felines, dogs and minks, and there is evidence of human-to-animal infection.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The current treatment option for COVID-19 involves treating symptoms and oxygen therapy to keep the body in a stable condition in severe cases.
Question: Does garlic protect against covid-19
Evidence: compounds derived from Allium sativum (garlic) have the potential to decrease the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and to reverse the immunological abnormalities to more acceptable levels. Allium sativum is suggested as a beneficial preventive measure before being infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Hydroxychloroquine is an Effective Treatment for COVID-19
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: We found that fatalities are 18.8% (9/48) in HCQ group, which is significantly lower than 47.4% (238/502) in the NHCQ group (P<0.001). The time of hospital stay before patient death is 15 (10-21) days and 8 (4-14) days for the HCQ and NHCQ groups, respectively (P<0.05). The levels of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 were significantly reduced from 22.2 (8.3-118.9) pg mL-1 at the beginning of the treatment to 5.2 (3.0-23.4) pg mL-1 (P<0.05) at the end of the treatment in the HCQ group but there is no change in the NHCQ group.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: A headache is a potential symptom of COVID-19.
Question: Is a headache sign of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Symptomatic COVID19 patients, around 6%10%, also reported headache as a presenting symptom.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: There are an urgent need for antivirals to treat the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: There is no therapeutic FDA-approved drug against SARS-CoV-2 infection, although a combination of anti-viral drugs is directly being practiced in some countries. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: fever is beneficial to the body's natural immune response to fight covid-19;
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: However, available data from limited studies show administration of recombinant ACE2 improves lung damage caused by respiratory viruses, suggesting ibuprofen use may be beneficial in COVID-19 disease. 
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: The N95 respirator is thicker than a surgical mask, but neither Schaffner
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: This study 1) illustrates transmission routes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2);
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: covid-19 increases risk of heart attacks and stroke
Question: how do people die from the coronavirus?
Evidence: The cause of most deaths has been acute pneumonia.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: College students, many of whom are already stressed, reported an increase in depression and anxiety during the initial outbreak.
Question: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health?
Evidence: Various psychological problems and important consequences in terms of mental health including stress, anxiety, depression, frustration, uncertainty during COVID-19 outbreak emerged progressively.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: N95 masks are better than clothe masks
Question: what are the best masks for preventing infection by Covid-19?
Evidence: Ma's research shows N95 masks, medical masks, even homemade masks could block at least 90% of the virus in aerosols
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: the new coronavirus can persist in the body for at least two weeks after symptoms of the disease clear up. 
Question: Are you immune to COVID-19 after recovering from it?
Evidence: Several hospitals in different countries have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the semen and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with severe COVID-19.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: there is no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of covid-19
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: there is no supporting evidence to discourage the use of ibuprofen.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The coronavirus came from the local wet market in China
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: The COVID19, which appeared to originate in China in December 2019, has spread worldwide pandemically.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: wearing a mask helps stop infected people from spreading the new coronavirus to others.
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Our results indicate that surgical face masks could prevent transmission of human coronaviruses and influenza viruses from symptomatic individuals.
Verdict: Supports