Friday, May 29, 2026
    ADVT 
    National

    Campaign aims to counter COVID-19 misinformation

    Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Jan, 2021 06:45 PM
    • Campaign aims to counter COVID-19 misinformation

    Scientists and health experts are launching a nationwide campaign to counter misinformation about COVID-19 and related vaccines.

    The #ScienceUpFirst initiative is an awareness and engagement campaign that will use social media to debunk incorrect information and boost science-based content.

    The campaign team says in a news release that it emerged from conversations between Nova Scotia Sen. Stan Kutcher and Timothy Caulfield, Canadian research chair in health law and policy at the University of Alberta.

    The initiative is now being led by the Canadian Association of Science Centres, COVID-19 Resources Canada, and the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta.

    Anyone interested in participating can follow @scienceupfirst and use the #ScienceUpFirst hashtag on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and tag the account to amplify science-based posts and alert it to misinformation posts.

    The campaign says there is a marked rise in misinformation and conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 vaccines, virus transmission and government response, and it represents a threat to the health and safety of Canadians.

    "Misinformation is a dire, imminent threat to the lives of all Canadians and is proven to be one of the factors fueling COVID-19 infections, and dissuading Canadians from getting vaccinated," says Caulfield.

    "The #ScienceUpFirst initiative seeks to help fill an urgent need to beat back misinformation with the truth, and save lives."

    Prev Next

    MORE National ARTICLES

    During unprecedented COVID19 times Alberta confirms human case of rare swine flu

    During unprecedented COVID19 times Alberta confirms human case of rare swine flu
    Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the Influenza A H1N2v case was detected in mid-October after the patient showed up at an emergency department for medical care.

    During unprecedented COVID19 times Alberta confirms human case of rare swine flu

    Rent relief bill on legislative fast track

    Rent relief bill on legislative fast track
    Under the agreement, Bill C-9 will be passed by the House of Commons on Friday; it will still need to be approved by Senate before it can be enacted.

    Rent relief bill on legislative fast track

    'Emotional support Canadians' look after Americans

    'Emotional support Canadians' look after Americans
    Social media users are volunteering to be "emotional support Canadians" to their southern neighbours as the anxiety of U.S. presidential race drags on past voting day.

    'Emotional support Canadians' look after Americans

    Trudeau faces questions on 3-layer mask guidelines

    Trudeau faces questions on 3-layer mask guidelines
    Trudeau was put on the spot by Conservative leader Erin O'Toole for the new mask recommendations, suggesting they're not in line with current provincial advice and may breed confusion.

    Trudeau faces questions on 3-layer mask guidelines

    Passenger numbers aimed at ending no-fly mix-ups

    Passenger numbers aimed at ending no-fly mix-ups
    The airline would give the number to the government, which will be responsible for screening passengers against the Secure Air Travel Act watch list, commonly known as the no-fly list.

    Passenger numbers aimed at ending no-fly mix-ups

    Track failure led to B.C. train derailment: report

    Track failure led to B.C. train derailment: report
    No one was hurt when 34 cars carrying wood pellets on the Canadian National Railway Co. train left the tracks between the communities of Smithers and Terrace.

    Track failure led to B.C. train derailment: report

    PrevNext