Leeds NHS doctors host Facebook Live session to bust coronavirus myths on social media

GPs in Leeds will host a Facebook Live information session tonight, in an effort to bust coronavirus myths spread on social media.
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The first broadcast is part of a number of online health education sessions organised by the NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

It will take place from 6pm to 7.30pm on the Leeds CCG's Facebook page and GPs will talk about misinformation on coronavirus including social distancing, how to stay safe and when to get tested.

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The speakers for the evening are Dr Mohammed Sattar, Dr Andrew Lee, Dr Mizanul Hoque and Dr Najeeb Rahman.

A coronavirus testing site in Leeds (Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)A coronavirus testing site in Leeds (Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
A coronavirus testing site in Leeds (Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

There will be the opportunity for the public to submit questions and hear the truth from healthcare professionals.

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Leeds GP Dr Sattar said: "There’s a lot of misinformation about coronavirus, you hear different things from a number of sources and feel overwhelmed with so much information that you don’t know what to believe.

“The purpose of this Facebook Live session is to explore some of that misinformation, this includes social distancing, how you can reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus, when to get tested and myth busting.

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"We want people to hear what GPs and other health professionals are saying to take away that learning, and to share with family, friends and people within their communities.

“There’s so much information on social media, some of it which is true and some of it isn’t. Some of us will take in what’s being said on the news whether this is in England or your home country.

"However, we need to feel assured that the information we hear and read is accurate and reliable. Having this live session, we’re hoping to uncover some of the information which may be misleading and inaccurate.”

Dr Jason Broch, GP and Clinical Chair at NHS Leeds CCG, said: “By running the Facebook Live session we’re hoping to provide information about coronavirus.

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“It’s an opportunity for people learn more and they can submit their questions to the speakers in advance or on the day of the live session.

"I would strongly encourage Leeds residents to join the session, we can only overcome misinformation about coronavirus if we hear the truth from healthcare professionals who will give advice in line with the current government guidelines.

"Visit the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/coronavirus) which has the most up to date and accurate information about coronavirus.

“Over the coming months we will be looking to deliver more of these sessions, this will include winter health and cancer signs and symptoms, as well as prevention.”

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Thank you

Laura Collins

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