The Latest Fact Checks from the International Fact Checking Network (IFCN) 03/25/2020

The code of principles of the International Fact-Checking Network IFCN at Poynter is a series of commitments organizations abide by to promote excellence in fact-checking. The following fact checks come from IFCN fact checkers. (D. Van Zandt)

	Claim via Social Media: Was Italy’s president shown on camera in a video crying over the toll that COVID-19 has taken on that country and decrying the lack of preparedness in the early stages of the coronavirus spread? Lead Stories rating: False Fact Check: Italy’s President NOT Caught On Camera Crying Over, and Regretting, Nation’s COVID-19 Response
	Claim by Facebook posts: Says businesses will give you free baby formula during the coronavirus outbreak. PolitiFact rating: Pants on Fire No, companies aren’t giving out free baby formula during the COVID-19 pandemic
	Claim via Social Media: Posts circulating on Facebook make the claim that, despite initial dismissals of the risk for young people, young people now account for 40% of all hospitalized coronavirus patients in the U.S. Reuters Fact Check rating: True True claim: younger adults account for nearly 40% of all hospitalized coronavirus patients in the U.S.
	Claim by Facebook post: “Huge! Results From Breaking Chloroquine Study Show 100% Cure Rate For Patients Infected With The Coronavirus.” PolitiFact rating: False A 100% COVID-19 cure? No, chloroquine effectiveness only anecdotal
	Claim via Social Media: Posts and images circulating on social media make the claim that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that fabric masks are an appropriate crisis response when other supplies have been exhausted Reuters Fact Check rating: True True claim: CDC states fabric masks are crisis response when other supplies exhausted

International Fact Checks

	Claim: A factory full of baby formula, toilet paper and other supplies for export to China AFP Fact Check rating: False Police dismiss false claim that Australian factory hoarded COVID-19 supplies to export to China
	Claim by Facebook users: The viral image is of a doctor couple in Italy who gave their lives treating coronavirus patients. India Today rating: Mostly false Fact Check: Love in the time of Corona? Know the truth behind this viral image
	Claim by Facebook user: The Italian Prime Minister has said his country has exhausted all options to fight against the coronavirus pandemic and pleads to God to “rescue your people.” Full Fact rating: This quote is made up. This “quote” from the Italian Prime Minister about coronavirus is made up

Disclaimer: We are providing links to fact checks by the IFCN. If you do not agree with a fact check, please directly contact the source of that fact check.

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