"FEMA helps the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Do your part to the stop the spread of rumors by doing three easy things:
- Find trusted sources of information.
- Share information from trusted sources.
- Discourage others from sharing information from unverified sources.
To find trusted sources, look for information from official public health and safety authorities... On social media, be sure to check for a blue verified badge next to the account name. This tells you it's an official account...
Rumor: Don't the vaccines work? Do they fail to prevent COVID-19?
Fact: Rigorous clinical trials have found that the vaccines currently available in the United States are more than 90% effective at preventing COVID-19 and are important tools to stop the pandemic.
Additionally, the COVID-19 vaccines may help protect you from getting severely sick even if you do get COVID-19. The more people who get vaccinated, the closer we get to having most people protected from COVID-19.
Get the vaccine when it is available to you.
Last updated February 17, 2021 | Source: FEMA, CDC
Rumor: If I'm vaccinated should I continue to wear a mask and social distance?
Fact: Even if you’re vaccinated, it is possible that you might still get COVID-19 and pass it on to those who are unvaccinated.
Until experts understand more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions, you should continue to follow CDC recommendations on how to protect yourself and others from getting the virus.
Last updated February 17, 2021 | Source: FEMA, CDC...
Rumor: Are federal 'mask police' being used on public transportation to enforce mask regulations?
Fact: Federal agencies and some public and private sector transportation companies are implementing the requirement that people wear masks while traveling or in common areas prior to boarding. Passengers without a mask may be denied entry, boarding, or continued transport. Failure to comply with the mask requirement can result in civil penalties...
Scientific evidence shows that consistent and universal use of masks on public transportation systems and in transportation hubs will help protect Americans from COVID-19 and help to reduce the spread of COVID-19...
Rumor: Is FEMA deploying the military?
Fact: ... Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved 1,110 active duty troops on February 5 and an additional 3,610 active duty troops on February 12 FEMA will be partnering with the Department of Defense for additional resources at vaccination centers throughout the country.
Since last year, DOD has supported the COVID-19 response by providing aviation support and help in distributing personal protective equipment from federal stockpiles. DOD also deployed medical teams to support hospital staffs throughout the country.
Last updated February 17, 2021 | Source: FEMA, DOD"
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