Fact Check: Can using AC during lockdown increase the chances of Coronavirus spread?

Claim: Using AC during Coronavirus lockdown spreads COVID-19. 

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What is rumour about?

• Before first lockdown was imposed in India,  minister for public health had advised 't to use ACs in offices' due to Coronavirus scare. 
• Post that, on March 24, 2020, CM Thackeray also talked about a new advisory from Centre that advised against use of AC, so as to keep unnecessary moisture at bay. 
• CM had reiterated essential rules that people need to follow after first phase of lockdown was imposed in India on March 24.
• During his Facebook video, he also recommended keeping  windows open and trying to brea in as much fresh air as possible. 

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Google Trends 

After an analysis of Google Trends with respect to "avoid using AC during Coronavirus" rumour, one can see that people have been hugely interested to kw about same over few days. maximum number of searches done have been on April 17, 2020. According to graph, it seems like people are quite confused about use of AC during Coronavirus scare as a lot of spikes are observed in Google trends.

Im courtesy: Google Trends 

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Rating: Partly True

Republic World did a fact check

• Republic World did a fact check on  rumour that claims that use of ACs could lead to spread of Coronavirus. claims were found to be Partly True.
• Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope quoted WHO guidelines stating that virus can sneak in through AC vents. That is why offices which use centralised cooling should avoid use of AC. 
• Maharashtra health secretary Pradeep Vyas issued a directive stating that rooms with AC vents have higher chances of COVID-19 entering house. That is why use of AC should be restricted in government offices and corporate offices. 
• Experts advise avoiding use of a centralised cooling system present in big establishments like government offices, corporate offices, hospitals, and malls. This is because if one person is tested positive,  chances of that person spreading virus all over building are higher as compared to using split AC in homes. 
• Split ACs in homes serve only a limited number of people, so se are okay to use inside house, unless someone is tested positive for Coronavirus. Take a look at this latest tweet by PIB fact check. 

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Im courtesy: PIB Fact check Twitter

• Myth busters by WHO which clearly state that vel coronavirus can't be killed by exposing yourself to sun or temperatures higher than 25 degrees Celcius. WHO also states that Coronavirus can be transmitted to people living in hot, humid and even cold climate areas. Take a look at se myth busters by WHO.

Im courtesy: WHO

Im courtesy: WHO

Im courtesy: WHO

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