Pandemic

Alt News fact-checked multiple instances of misinformation and disinformation that tried to portray Muslims as a community deliberately trying to spread Covid-19. This trend emerged on social media after it was reported that a religious gathering in Delhi turned into a Covid-19 hotspot. A series of rigorous fact-checks on the subject by Alt News, helped dispel the notion that one particular community was responsible for spreading the coronavirus.

Janjwar reported on how a migrant youth from Lakhimpur Kheri district in UP died by suicide after being severely assaulted by a policeman when he stepped out of a quarantine centre to buy essential supplies. Before his death, the youth had recorded an audio clip naming the constable and sought action against him. The video story by Janjwar was watched by close to 19 million people on Facebook. Following the coverage by Janjwar, the police ordered an investigation against the accused.

The Wire’s correspondent visited two Thane-run hospitals and found doctors treating patients without any personal protective equipment (PPE) whatsoever. This when the area had eight COVID-19 positive cases When the reporter approached the officials for their version, she was threatened with being booked under the Epidemic Diseases Act. Unfazed by the threats, the story was filed and published by The Wire. And the hospitals got their supply of PPEs within 24-hours!

As Covid took hold, many cures were recommended, including Homeopathy - the second most popular system of cure in India. But ThePrint reports that global experts dismiss its efficacy as, at best a placebo. An important story which cleared the air about Homeopathy, which was being touted by some, including the government, as an antidote to the Covid-19 virus.