Drinking water every 15 minutes won’t prevent coronavirus. Don’t believe that WhatsApp forward

The government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) flagged the viral message as false.

Updated on: Mar 20, 2020, 15:27:47 IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By Trisha Sengupta

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus worldwide has spawned countless online rumours and hoaxes. And, these false claims are adding onto the existing panic amid the uncertainty. Just like this message, mainly being forwarded on WhatsApp, which claims that one can prevent coronavirus infection by drinking water every 15 minutes. The claim, however, is false and misleading.

The false claim is being shared by many. (Twitter/PIB)

The government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) flagged the viral message as false. “NO! Drinking water CANNOT prevent #Coronavirus infection,” they tweeted. The agency also shared ways in which one can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and it’s by following certain preventative measures. They advised people to maintain respiratory hygiene, follow social distancing, and engage in frequent hand washing.

Sadly, this is not the only misinformation regarding the pandemic that is going viral. It’s always advisable to believe those claims that are put forth by responsible authorities like a government officials or the World Health Organisation (WHO).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trisha Sengupta
Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More

Discover the latest Trending News, viral videos, social media stories and unusual events from India and around the world. Stay updated with the topics everyone is talking about.