Can COVID-19 Be Spread Through Gas Pumps?
March 23, 2020 11:27AM EDT
Among the wild claims about coronavirus shared on social media is one about people catching it at the gas station.
But is there any truth to what you’ve read on your newsfeed? According to Snopes, several posts have been warning drivers to wear gloves or use a paper towel while filling their cars as COVID-19 is “spreading quickly from gas pumps.”
While surface contact is one of the means of transmission, the fact-checking site notes, “We’re not aware of any credible reports of COVID-19 being spread via gas pump handles”. Consumer Reports does endorse the advice though, adding to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterward.
What coronavirus claims have you come across on social media?