jpd459/healthver_resplit_larger huggingface dataset:
Claim: The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person, typically through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: There is currently no indication that feline- or canine-to-human transmission can occur, though there is rising evidence of the reverse.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: There is a link between vitamin D status and COVID-19 risk
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A significant negative correlation (p=0.033) has been observed between mean vitamin D levels and COVID-19 cases per one million population in European countries.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: alcohol does not protect against infection or illness relating to COVID-19.
Question: Can drinking alcohol help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Furthermore, students with greater perceived social support reported less alcohol consumption. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: COVID-19 originated in China
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: Recent research results suggest that bats or pangolins might be the original hosts for the virus based on comparative studies using its genomic sequences.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Bowel tolerance levels of C taken in divided doses throughout the day, is a clinically proven antiviral, without equal
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Some nutrients are actively involved in the proper functioning and strengthening of the human immune system against viral infections including dietary protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and selenium. Few studies were done on the effect of dietary components on prevention of COVID-19, but supplementation with these nutrients may be effective in improving the health status of patients with viral infections.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: only people with visible symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are capable of spreading the virus
Question: what are the early symptoms of COVID-19?
Evidence: The various symptoms identified for COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, sore throat, dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, and headache. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are emerging as a new symptom more in the European patients.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: We don't yet know how frequently cats become infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the real world
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is now a pandemic threat. This virus is supposed to be spread by human to human transmission.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: COVID-19 is the only cause of the death in Critically Ill Coronavirus Patients.
Question: how do people die from the coronavirus?
Evidence: Lack of personal protective equipment was cited as a common cause of death.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Severe heart damage has occurred in young, healthy people, but is rare. There may be more cases of mild effects of COVID-19 on the heart that can be diagnosed with special imaging tests, including in younger people with mild or minimal symptoms; however, the long-term significance of these mild effects on the heart are unknown.
Question: are heart complications likely in patients with COVID-19?
Evidence: the greater susceptibility of individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions to develop more severe Covid-19 with higher mortality rate is likely to be confounded, in part, by age and the type of co-morbidities. Patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease might show an excess risk
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Vitamin D strengthens innate immunity and prevents overactive immune responses
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A principal defence against uncontrolled inflammation, and against viral infection in general, is provided by T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs). Treg levels have been reported to be low in many COVID-19 patients and can be increased by vitamin D supplementation. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and viral upper respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in thrombotic episodes, which are frequently observed in COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to occur more frequently in patients with obesity and diabetes. These conditions are reported to carry a higher mortality in COVID-19. If vitamin D does in fact reduce the severity of COVID-19 in regard to pneumonia/ARDS, inflammation, inflammatory cytokines and thrombosis, it is our opinion that supplements would offer a relatively easy option to decrease the impact of the pandemic.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Self-quarantine is strictly reserved for those who have come into close contact with a coronavirus-infected person.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: Our models predict these strict social distancing measures caused a 79% and 61% reduction in the daily cases of COVID-19 across Australia and New Zealand respectively. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: it may be difficult for COVID-19 to spread in the areas with high UV-B radiation.
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: These results provide evidence for the relationship between several weather variables and the spread of COVID-19. However, the (conservatively) estimated relationships are not strong enough to seasonally control the epidemic in most locations.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: While there is no clear evidence that vitamin C is capable of treating patients with coronavirus, maintaining vitamin C levels in the body could help manage the symptoms.
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Dietary supplementation has not been linked to COVID-19 prevention.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: many patients hospitalized with the coronavirus, the immune system is threatened by a depletion of certain essential cells, suggesting eerie parallels with HIV.
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: older people are so much more vulnerable
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence: Mortality was significantly associated with older age, lower body mass index, chronic renal disease, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, lower PaO2/FIO2 ratio, higher D-dimer, higher C-reactive protein, and receipt of mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, renal replacement therapy, or vasodilator therapy.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: the covid-19 is a us biological weapon to reduce the planet's population
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: Neutral
Claim: it is no coincidence that the world's first 5G-masts were in Wuhan-a misleading claim as 5G was piloted in multiple cities, and there have been severe COVID-19 outbreaks in parts of the world without any 5G network (e.g., Iran).
Question: Can 5G technology cause COVID-19?
Evidence: The unprecedented outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, termed as COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO), has placed numerous governments around the world in a precarious position. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, earlier witnessed by the citizens of China alone, has now become a matter of grave concern for virtually every country in the world.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Social Distancing Key to Lowering COVID-19 Disease Risk
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: stronger social distancing, e.g., cutting 75% of social ties, can reduce the outbreak by 75% for the C isolation, by 33% for the D isolation, and by 87% for the (C+D) isolation strategy.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: After all, we know smoking is bad for our health. It's a leading risk factor for heart disease, lung disease and many cancers. Smoking also reduces our immunity, and makes us more susceptible to respiratory infections including pneumonia. And smokers touch their mouth and face more, a risk for COVID-19 infection.
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Statistical surveys of COVID-19 patients indicate, against all common logic, that people who smoke are less prone to the infection and/or exhibit less severe respiratory symptoms than non-smokers.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: There are many things we can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus): washing our hands, coughing into our elbows, avoiding touching our faces, staying home if we're feeling sick and social distancing.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: We use a simple log-linear model with intercept and trend break to evaluate whether the measures are effective preventing/slowing down the spread of the disease in Turkey.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: But wearing a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing. Staying at least 6 feet apart from others while in public is still the most important tool to stopping the spread of the virus (SARS-CoV-2).
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: and 3) provides suggestion that the public should wear the mask during COVID-19 pandemic according to local context.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Patients with a history of a bone marrow transplant are at higher risk, too, because their immune system would be suppressed long-term.
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of viral cycles and immunity is an important prerequisite for the development of vaccination strategies and development of effective drugs.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: A few pets - including cats and dogs - also have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. This happened mostly after the animals were in close contact with people infected with the COVID-19 virus.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: These are the first reported companion animals (including pets and service animals) with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United States, and among the first findings of SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic companion animals reported worldwide.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Masks may increase risk of infection
Question: what are the best masks for preventing infection by Covid-19?
Evidence: However, masks alone may not greatly slow down the COVID-19 pandemic unless they are coupled with adequate social distancing, diligent hand hygiene, and other proven preventive measures.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat a variety of conditions, including malaria, arthritis, and lupus.
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: patients treated with HCQ at the time of early hospital recovered faster than those who treated later or taken as second line choose for their obvious shorter hospitalization time.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Patients with sufficient levels of vitamin D are less likely to experience complications and die from COVID-19
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A principal defence against uncontrolled inflammation, and against viral infection in general, is provided by T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs). Treg levels have been reported to be low in many COVID-19 patients and can be increased by vitamin D supplementation. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and viral upper respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in thrombotic episodes, which are frequently observed in COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to occur more frequently in patients with obesity and diabetes. These conditions are reported to carry a higher mortality in COVID-19. If vitamin D does in fact reduce the severity of COVID-19 in regard to pneumonia/ARDS, inflammation, inflammatory cytokines and thrombosis, it is our opinion that supplements would offer a relatively easy option to decrease the impact of the pandemic.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: People taking two very commonly used types of drugs for high blood pressure are at no heightened risk, as has been feared, for complications of COVID-19.
Question: are patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors at increased risk for COVID-19?
Evidence: The present study has found that the use of ACE inh/ARBs therapy might be associated with an increased in-hospital mortality in patients who were diagnosed with Covid-19 pneumonia.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: The virus survives better in cold
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: We show that the delay between exposure and detection of infection complicates the estimation of weather impact on COVID-19 transmission, potentially explaining significant variability in results to-date
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: From surgical-style disposable masks to washable cotton face coverings to coveted N95 masks, there has been a run on face masks of all kinds since news of the pandemic spread.
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: Neutral
Claim: Can COVID-19 be passed through food? So far, there is no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus
Question: Can COVID-19 spread through food?
Evidence: Food systems at all levelsglobally, domestically, locally, and in the home are expected to be highly affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: 5G has no causal connection to COVID-19
Question: Can 5G technology cause COVID-19?
Evidence: The unprecedented outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, termed as COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO), has placed numerous governments around the world in a precarious position. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, earlier witnessed by the citizens of China alone, has now become a matter of grave concern for virtually every country in the world.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: there is no risk of being infected by groceries and packages that we have delivered
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: Neutral
Claim: hydroxychloroquine may limit spread of SARS-CoV-2 and morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 pandemic
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: The chance of your pet catching the coronavirus from you or another pet in the neighborhood is low,
Question: Can pets get the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)--the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19)--has been detected in domestic dogs and cats, raising concerns of transmission from, to, or between these animals.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: While there is no clear evidence that vitamin C is capable of treating patients with coronavirus, maintaining vitamin C levels in the body could help manage the symptoms.
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: We identified a total of 17 patients who received IV vitamin C for COVID-19. The inpatient mortality rate in this series was 12% with 17.6% rates of intubation and mechanical ventilation. We noted a significant decrease in inflammatory markers, including ferritin and D-dimer, and a trend to decreasing FiO2 requirements, after vitamin C administration. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Over-the-counter and prescription medication can help alleviate mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: At this time, there is no supporting evidence to discourage the use of ibuprofen.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: low coverage cloth face masks made of 100% cotton, scarf, pillowcase, antimicrobial pillowcase, silk, linen, tea towel, or vacuum bag, present marginal/reasonable protection against particles while high coverage cloth masks provide high protection. 
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: These findings indicate that these comorbidities are not only associated with severity of disease but also predispose for getting Covid-19.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Adequate Levels of Vitamin D Reduce Complications, Death Among COVID-19 Patients
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: Neutral
Claim: Warm Weather slow The Spread Of COVID-19
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: Results indicated that temperatures had a negative linear relationship with the number of confirmed cases. The curve flattened at a threshold of 25.8 C. There is no evidence supporting that the curve declined for temperatures above 25.8 C
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: wearing a mask is effective in preventing COVID-19
Question: what are the best masks for preventing infection by Covid-19?
Evidence: However, low quality evidence suggests that N95 respirators protect HCWs from clinical respiratory infections.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Only sick people need to wear face masks
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: Refutes
Claim: Vitamin and minerals that can help with coronavirus if you're not getting enough Vitamin D Vitamin D supplements, taken daily in moderate doses, may help to reduce the risk of respiratory infections and viruses such as influenza A in children and adults who are deficient (< 20 ng/mL) or severely deficient (< 10 ng/mL) in vitamin D
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Dietary supplementation has not been linked to COVID-19 prevention.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: mong Covid-19 patients in the study, those with extreme obesity - defined as a B.M.I. of 40 or more - were at nearly three times greater risk of dying than those of normal weight
Question: how do people die from the coronavirus?
Evidence: Compared to the recovered group, more patients in the death group exhibited characteristics of advanced age, pre-existing comorbidities, dyspnea, oxygen saturation decrease, increased WBC count, decreased lymphocytes, and elevated CRP levels.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: no studies have investigated the effect of vitamin D supplements or vitamin D deficiency on the risk of contracting the new coronavirus
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A principal defence against uncontrolled inflammation, and against viral infection in general, is provided by T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs). Treg levels have been reported to be low in many COVID-19 patients and can be increased by vitamin D supplementation. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and viral upper respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in thrombotic episodes, which are frequently observed in COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to occur more frequently in patients with obesity and diabetes. These conditions are reported to carry a higher mortality in COVID-19. If vitamin D does in fact reduce the severity of COVID-19 in regard to pneumonia/ARDS, inflammation, inflammatory cytokines and thrombosis, it is our opinion that supplements would offer a relatively easy option to decrease the impact of the pandemic.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: nearly 90% of patients hospitalized with coronavirus (COVID-19) had one or more underlying health conditions.
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with hypertension?
Evidence:  Hypertension has been proven to be more prevalent in patients with an adverse outcome (admission in intensive care unit, use of mechanical ventilation, or death).
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: pet cats and dogs can not get COVID-19 from their owners
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: There is currently no indication that feline- or canine-to-human transmission can occur, though there is rising evidence of the reverse.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Taking vitamin D supplement can reduce the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A principal defence against uncontrolled inflammation, and against viral infection in general, is provided by T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs). Treg levels have been reported to be low in many COVID-19 patients and can be increased by vitamin D supplementation. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and viral upper respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in thrombotic episodes, which are frequently observed in COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to occur more frequently in patients with obesity and diabetes. These conditions are reported to carry a higher mortality in COVID-19. If vitamin D does in fact reduce the severity of COVID-19 in regard to pneumonia/ARDS, inflammation, inflammatory cytokines and thrombosis, it is our opinion that supplements would offer a relatively easy option to decrease the impact of the pandemic.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: there is no effect of either surgical or fabric masks on reducing SARS-CoV-2 spread.
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: Refutes
Claim: Vitamin C Protects Against 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: You don't have to wear a mask outside
Question: Can wearing masks help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Evidence that face masks provide effective protection against respiratory infections in the community is scarce. However, face masks are widely used by health workers as part of droplet precautions when caring for patients with respiratory infections. 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: Ibuprofen is sold under many brand names, including Advil and Motrin. While it can treat headaches and fever like acetaminophen, it is also beneficial for muscle pulls because it reduces inflammation.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: There are clearly COVID-19 cases where NSAIDs should not be used, but there is no strong evidence that NSAIDs must be avoided in all patients with COVID-19;
Verdict: Supports
Claim: For example, a cloth mask with only one layer of fabric isn't considered as robust as a cloth mask with three layers and a filter. 
Question: Can wearing masks help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Wearing medical masks or N95 masks (namely N95 respirators) can slow the virus spread and reduce the infection risk.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: covid-19 originates from sexual contact
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: While this novel coronavirus disease (covid-19) frequently induces mild diseases, it has also generated severe diseases among certain populations, including older-aged individuals with underlying diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Surgical masks don't offer any protection for the wearer against the new coronavirus
Question: Does a surgical mask help avoid COVID-19?
Evidence: Evidence on mask effectiveness for respiratory infection prevention is stronger in health care than community settings.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: drinking water every 15 minutes will save a person from getting infected by the coronavirus or that the stomach acid will kill the virus.
Question: Does drinking lots of water help flush out COVID-19?
Evidence: Access to safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services have been recognized as a highly precautionary measure essential to protecting human health during this COVID-19 outbreak.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Smoking and coronavirus: Does smoking prevent coronavirus? The short answer is NO
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: Supports
Claim: Can wearing a face mask protect against the 2019 coronavirus?
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Wearing medical masks or N95 masks (namely N95 respirators) can slow the virus spread and reduce the infection risk.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Diabetes more than doubles a person's risk of dying from coronavirus
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: Type 2 diabetic patients were more susceptible to COVID-19 than overall population, which might be associated with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Exposure to the sun or to temperatures higher than 77 F (25 C) doesn't prevent the COVID-19 virus or cure COVID-19. You can get the COVID-19 virus in sunny, hot and humid weather. 
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: Neutral
Claim: Lockdowns and Mask Mandates Do Not Lead to Reduced COVID transmission rates or deaths
Question: How much impact do masks have on preventing the spread of the COVID-19?
Evidence: Our simple model shows that modest efficacy of masks could avert substantial mortality in this scenario. Importantly, the effects on mortality became hyper-sensitive to mask-wearing as the effective R approaches 1, i.e. near the tipping point of when the infection trajectory is expected to revert to exponential growth, as would be expected after effective lockdown. Our model suggests that mask-wearing might exert maximal benefit as nations plan their post-lockdown strategies and suggests that mask-wearing should be included in further more sophisticated models of the current pandemic.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Should all diabetics be labeled 'high risk' for COVID-19? Maybe not
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: Type 2 diabetic patients were more susceptible to COVID-19 than overall population, which might be associated with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to COVID-19
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: testing positive for COVID-19 was associated with increasing age(RR(age<50)=1.05,p<0.021;RR(age[]50)=1.02,p<0.064)), non-white race(RR=2.54,p<0.01) and being likely vitamin D deficient (deficient/treatment-not-increased:RR=1.77,p<0.02) as compared to likely vitamin D sufficient(not-deficient/treatment-not-decreased), with predicted COVID-19 rates in the vitamin D deficient group of 21.6%(95%CI[14.0%-29.2%] ) versus 12.2%(95%CI[8.9%-15.4%]) in the vitamin D sufficient group.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Coronavirus quarantines like the ones in China are likely not feasible in the U.S., according to a top health official.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: stronger social distancing, e.g., cutting 75% of social ties, can reduce the outbreak by 75% for the C isolation, by 33% for the D isolation, and by 87% for the (C+D) isolation strategy.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Social distancing reduces mobility that can cause COVID-19 spread
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: we do not find significant evidence that social distancing has resulted in a reduction in the number of daily confirmed cases. Instead, social distancing has merely stabilized the spread of the disease.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: BCG vaccine may protect against COVID-19 infection
Question: can bcg vaccine cure covid-19
Evidence: The adjusted rates ratio of COVID-19 confirmed cases for Current BCG vaccination vs. non-Current BCG vaccination was 0.339 (with 95% CI= (0.338,0.340)). 
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: people suffering from symptoms of the illness avoid taking the common anti-inflammatory painkiller, which is known by brand names like Advil and Motrin.
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: Refutes
Claim: Treatment for: COVID-19. Remdesivir is an investigational nucleotide analog antiviral in development as a treatment for COVID-19.
Question: Are there any antiviral drugs to treat the coronavirus disease? 
Evidence: there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for human and animal coronavirus
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: I HEARD that white wine vinegar can help protect you from the virus.
Question: Can vinegar help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: As discussed in this review, till effective vaccines and treatments emerge, it is important to understand the scientific rationale of pandemic-mitigation strategies such as wearing facemasks and social distancing, and implement them.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: COVID-19 spreads less commonlythrough contact with contaminated surfaces, and rarely between people and 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: Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: Correcting for that distributed delay and offering conservative estimates, we find a negative relationship between temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and estimated reproduction number ([R]), with each degree Celsius associated with a 3.1% (95% CI, 1.5% to 4.8%) reduction in [R]. Higher levels of relative humidity strengthen the negative effect of temperature above 25 degrees.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Wearing a mask may offer protection against catching severe covid-19
Question: Can wearing masks help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: This study 1) illustrates transmission routes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); 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; and 3) provides suggestion that the public should wear the mask during COVID-19 pandemic according to local context.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: There is no rigorous scientific evidence to suggest hydroxychloroquine prevents, treats or 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: Supports
Claim: Because the virus can be spread easily, many have resorted wearing face masks to protect themselves, as the virus is transmissible through human contact and exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person.
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: We also demonstrated that three brands of medical masks blocked over 99% viruses in aerosols. The avian coronavirus was completely inactivated after being steamed for 5 minutes.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone infected with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth or nose of a person nearby.
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: Wearing masks really wasn't protective after the symptoms started
Question: Can wearing masks help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Wearing medical masks or N95 masks (namely N95 respirators) can slow the virus spread and reduce the infection risk.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Children, like adults, who have COVID-19 but have no symptoms (asymptomatic) can still spread the virus to others. 
Question: what are the health outcomes for children who contract COVID-19?
Evidence: Eight of 260 children diagnosed with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were included in the study. Thirty-five children with COVID-19 infection matched for age, sex and date of admission, and who classified as non-severe type, were randomly selected from the hospital admissions. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Humans first get a coronavirus from contact with animals. Then, it can spread from human to human.
Question: Which are the first symptoms of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: The pathogen was proved to be a novel betacoronavirus called 2019 novel coronavirus (officially named by the World Health Organization as COVID-19). The typical clinical manifestations were fever, cough, dyspnea, and myalgia or fatigue. Less common symptoms included headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: hypertension don't appear to increase the risk of more serious forms of the illness in covid-19 patients.
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with hypertension?
Evidence: Pre-existing comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are associated with a greater severity and higher fatality rate of covid-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication that people use to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever
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: Self-quarantine help to stop the spread of the virus
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: The decentralized strategy is insufficient when used alone, but offers the best results when combined with the centralized one. Indeed, the (C+D) is the most efficient isolation strategy at mitigating the network superspreaders and reducing the highest node degrees to less than 10% of their initial values.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Intravenous vitamin C is already being employed in China against COVID-19 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: Neutral
Claim: zinc is very important. Zinc is very important for immune function
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Vitamin D deficiency that is not sufficiently treated is associated with COVID-19 risk.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Masks should NOT be worn by children younger than two, people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance
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: taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), should be avoided when sick with the new coronavirus
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence:  We aimed to evaluate whether ibuprofen use in individuals with COVID-19 was associated with more severe disease, compared with individuals using paracetamol or no antipyretics.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: BCG have reduced the severity of COVID-19
Question: can bcg vaccine cure covid-19
Evidence: every 10% increase in the BCG index was associated with a 10.4% reduction in COVID-19 mortality.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The sunlight has a huge impact on decaying the coronavirus
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: The contaminated surface environment in hospitals plays an important role in the transmission of several key nosocomial pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter spp., and norovirus.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: hydroxychloroquine has not worked in treating COVID-19
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: Since COVID-19 outbreak, various agents have been tested but no proven effective therapies have been identified.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: health care workers interacting with a coronavirus patient should wear a heavy-duty mask called an N95 respirator. These respirators are designed to fit tightly around the nose and mouth, and, when worn correctly, block out at least 95% of small airborne particles.
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: We identified seasonal human coronaviruses, influenza viruses and rhinoviruses in exhaled breath and coughs of children and adults with acute respiratory illness.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: if they develop a fever and COVID-19 symptoms, they should not take NSAIDs (ibuprofen) because it can worsen the covid-19 disease
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: Social distancing reduces mobility that can cause COVID-19 spread
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: The government of different countries has adopted various policies to contain this epidemic and the most common were social distancing and lockdown. Our analysis revealed that the measures can slow down the outbreak. We can reduce the epidemic size and prolong the time to arrive at the epidemic peak by seriously following the measures suggested by the authorities.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The chance of your pet catching the coronavirus from you or another pet in the neighborhood is low,
Question: Can pets get the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Therefore, there is a possibility of spreading SARS-CoV-2 through domestic pets. 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: No definitive studies exist that prove masks prevent infections. Also, masks are designed for different purposes, and only some guard against infectious diseases.
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: In this study, we demonstrated, using avian coronavirus of infectious bronchitis virus to mimic SARSCoV2, that medical masks and N95 masks remained their blocking efficacy after being steamed on boiling water even for 2 hours.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: No, a CDC-WHO study does not prove that masks do not prevent spread of COVID-19
Question: How much impact do masks have on preventing the spread of the COVID-19?
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: Supports
Claim: There is no rigorous scientific evidence to suggest hydroxychloroquine prevents, treats or cures COVID-19.
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: Despite its small sample size our survey shows that hydroxychloroquine treatment is significantly associated with viral load reduction/disappearance in COVID-19 patients and its effect is reinforced by azithromycin.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: hydroxychloroquine may limit spread of SARS-CoV-2 and morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 pandemic
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: Despite its small sample size our survey shows that hydroxychloroquine treatment is significantly associated with viral load reduction/disappearance in COVID-19 patients and its effect is reinforced by azithromycin.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: UV light kill the new coronavirus
Question: Does UV light help in preventing covid-19?
Evidence: UV-C irradiation is highly effective in inactivating and inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication
Verdict: Supports
Claim: No evidence of cytokine storm in COVID-19
Question: what is a cytokine storm and how is it related to COVID-19?
Evidence: Cytokine storm is an excessive immune response to external stimuli.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Smoking has severe pathological consequences and remains a serious danger for health
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Cannabis thus joins tobacco as a SARS2-CoV-2 risk factor.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Taking vitamin D supplement can reduce the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: testing positive for COVID-19 was associated with increasing age(RR(age<50)=1.05,p<0.021;RR(age[]50)=1.02,p<0.064)), non-white race(RR=2.54,p<0.01) and being likely vitamin D deficient (deficient/treatment-not-increased:RR=1.77,p<0.02) as compared to likely vitamin D sufficient(not-deficient/treatment-not-decreased), with predicted COVID-19 rates in the vitamin D deficient group of 21.6%(95%CI[14.0%-29.2%] ) versus 12.2%(95%CI[8.9%-15.4%]) in the vitamin D sufficient group.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: taking mega-doses of vitamin C can cure COVID-19 (the disease caused by novel coronavirus).
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Dietary supplementation has not been linked to COVID-19 prevention.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: our immune response to this particular disease is not yet clearly understood: Patients with MERS-CoV infection are unlikely to be reinfected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether similar immune protection will be observed for patients with COVID-19.
Question: Are you immune to COVID-19 after recovering from it?
Evidence: Recently, an increasing number of reports have indicated that a few patients who were believed to have recovered from COVID-19 initially tested negative but later tested positive.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Your risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 is likely to be lower if your diabetes is well-managed.
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: Type 2 diabetic patients were more susceptible to COVID-19 than overall population, which might be associated with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: If needed, you may be given treatment to boost your immune system. For instance, lab-made antibodies can be given as an IV infusion so you have enough to fight infection. Reduce Your Risk for COVID-19
Question: Does having a weakened immune system increase your risk of illness from COVID-19?
Evidence: Pregnant women are more at risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their weakened immune system.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: it is possible to get COVID-19 by coming into contact with infected particles that can survive on surfaces for days or weeks. That led people to vigorously wipe down their light switches, scrub their groceries, and horde cleaning supplies.
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: The risk of transmission via touching contaminated paper is low.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Smoking and coronavirus: Does smoking prevent coronavirus? The short answer is NO
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: This suggests that nicotine may have some preventive or modulatory effect on the inflammatory response in the lungs.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Inhaling, smoking, or vaping cannabis products in the face of COVID-19 is not recommended
Question: Can smoking cannabis (weed) help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Male, older than 65, and smoking were risk factors for disease progression in patients with COVID-19 (male: OR=1.76, 95% CI (1.41, 2.18), P < 0.00001;
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Nicotine substitutes could have a positive effect in fighting COVID-19
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: Humans first get a coronavirus from contact with animals. Then, it can spread from human to human.
Question: Which are the first symptoms of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) affects principally the respiratory tract but recent studies described that COVID19 could present a broader clinical spectrum from the absence of any symptoms to heart (1), digestive (2) or EarNoseThroat (including anosmia and ageusia) (3) manifestations. Here we report two cases of peculiar skin manifestation.
Verdict: Neutral