VIDEO: PM Oli makes a series of false claims; says corona is a “simple cough and cold”

#Fact checking the PM

VIDEO: PM Oli makes a series of false claims; says corona is a “simple cough and cold”

Published On: June 19, 2020 11:10 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, June 19: Speaking at the National Assembly on Thursday, PM Oli resorted to half truths and misleading statements on coronavirus. During the speech, he made a number of false claims about the coronavirus. He said that corona is a “simple cough and cold, and that sneezing and hot water would get rid of it”. Coronavirus is more than cough and cold. It is a deadly virus. The coronavirus has an R0 of roughly 2 to 2.5, meaning that each new person spreads the disease to about 2.2 people on average. PM Oli also repeated his false claims about Nepalis’ immune system. “Nepalis have an extraordinary immune system,” he said. No medical research has proven anything close to the PM's claims.

According to a study by Imperial College London, the death rate is almost 10 times higher than average for those over 80. According to Nature, a prestigious medical journal, data from early in the pandemic overestimated how deadly the virus was, and then later analyses underestimated its lethality. Now, numerous studies — using a range of methods — estimate that in many countries some 5 to 10 people will die for every 1,000 people with COVID-19. The risk of dying from COVID-19 can vary considerably depending on age, ethnicity, access to healthcare, socioeconomic status and underlying health conditions.

PPM Oli also lectured on turmeric and its benefits. Turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the exact medical benefits of turmeric are yet to be determined.

The Ministry of Health and Population has estimated that the total number of corona infected will reach 40,000 in the next four weeks. PM Oli, speaking at the National Assembly, said the situation will be under control by February 2021. “This is a mere speculation, and we have too many unknowns at this point,” said a senior doctor working at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital.