May 21, 2020
Health Canada has not approved any home testing kits for SARS-CoV-2, yet in mid-March companies starting offering at home test kits. Concerns were quickly raised about people collecting samples incorrectly and questions about follow up care and risks about inaccurate results. One key sign that an at-home kit is a sham is that it will offer an almost immediate test result, which is not possible
A number of questionable websites related to coronavirus tests, vaccines and “miracle” cures -herbs, teas, essential oils, tinctures and colloidal silver are widely circulating on social media. For the average person it would be difficult to separate the legitimate news from the junk.
People were buying up a fish tank cleaner on eBay that has the same active ingredient as the antimalarial drug chloroquine, which President Donald Trump touted as a possible treatment for Covid-19. An Arizona man recently died after ingesting the fish tank additive, thinking that it would prevent coronavirus. Don’t take any form of chloroquine unless it has been prescribed for you by your health care provider and obtained from legitimate sources.
People have this heightened anxiety, therefore, are willing to try anything out there that’s a possible treatment or cure. This creates an opening for scam artists to market products that sound like they are an effective treatment or cure. Despite all the false promises about these products, it’s important for you to remember that there is no Health Canada approved treatment or vaccine for the novel coronavirus.
The best way to prevent contracting the virus and spreading of coronavirus is to practice physical distancing, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face. If you have any questions talk to your health care provider!
Below are some resources regarding scams and Covid 19
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52572361
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/health-canada-compliance-list-1.5525563
