Coronavirus disease 2019: the harms of exaggerated information and non-evidence-based measures

The evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is certainly cause for concern. Proper communication and optimal decision-making is an ongoing challenge, as data evolve. The challenge is compounded, however, by exaggerated information. This can lead to inappropriate actions. It is important to differentiate promptly the true epidemic from an epidemic of false claims and potentially harmful actions.