Telephone. Telegraph. Tell a friend. In small towns like Lynchburg … and now with the help of social media … word seems to travel fast … especially in these uncertain times.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed a special webpage recently called Coronavirus Rumor Control, so we thought the newspaper might help you separate fact from fiction with their help.
1 | Myth: A national lock down is coming. Truth: According to FEMA, there is no national lockdown. As with all information online or shared via social media, it is important to verify the source of the information.
2 | Myth: FEMA is deploying military assets. Truth: FEMA doesn’t have military assets. According to the agency, “Like all emergencies, response is most successful when it is locally executed, state managed and federally supported. Each state’s governor is responsible for response activities in their state, to include establishing curfews, deploying the National Guard if needed and any other restrictions or safety measures they deem necessary for the health and welfare of their citizens.”
3 | Myth: I need to stockpile supplies. Truth: It’s better for everyone if you only buy what your family will need for one week at a time. FEMA reminds citizens that, “many families may be unable to buy a supply of food and water for weeks in advance. Consumer demand has recently been exceptionally high – especially for grocery, household cleaning, and some healthcare products. Freight flows are not disrupted, but stores need time to restock.”
4 | Myth: The government will soon be sending each of us $1000 checks. Truth: According to FEMA, the U.S. Government is not mailing checks in response to COVID-19 at this time. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer. It’s important that you only trust information coming from official sources. The Federal Trade Commission recently provided more information about this scam and other common COVID-19 related scams on their website.
5 | Myth: Only those over 60 or with existing health problems are at risk. Truth: It is an unfortunate rumor that only people over 60 years of age are at risk of getting this disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), those at higher risk include older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions. However, symptoms can range from mild to severe with and may have different complications for each individual. The CDC has a list of COVID-19 symptoms you may experience. Please continue to follow the official information from the CDC. So far in Tennessee, four cases have been under the age of 10 and 20 cases from persons aged 11-20. The highest number of cases in the state are individuals between the age of 21-30 … 122 cases in total as of Saturday.
To stay updated on the latest myths versus facts according to FEMA, visit the Coronavirus Rumor Control page by clicking here. •
{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}