Coronavirus-5G data network link debunked

The government is warning that coronavirus 5G conspiracy theories are on the rise, despite the fact that viruses cannot be spread by radio waves.

Conspiracy theories about 5G networks are on the rise. Pictue: AAP

The government says 5G misinformation is on the rise, with social media users promoting conspiracy theories blaming 5G for the global coronavirus pandemic.

False claims that 5G causes coronavirus are spreading across social media and via email, despite the fact that viruses – like coronavirus – are spread by person to person contact, not by radio waves.

Some users are falsely claiming that the rollout of the mobile phone technology in Wuhan is connected to the outbreak and that the virus was created in a lab.

The minister for communications, cyber safety and the arts Paul Fletcher told The Australian that misinformation is increasingly circulating via email and digital platforms.

It claims that a person's immune system is affected by electromagnetic energy (EME) from 5G, and that this increases the risk of catching COVID-19, and claims that the deployment of 5G in Wuhan is somehow linked to the spread of coronavirus.

"This false and misleading information is reckless and could interfere with the Morrison Government’s response to COVID-19," Mr Fletcher said.

"Any suggestions that 5G has caused, spread or is linked in any way to coronavirus are utterly baseless."

This tweet by someone with 4M followers is straight from the most dangerous depths of tin foil hat land.

☑️ COVID-19 is a virus spread by person-to-person contact, not radio waves.

☑️ FCC, FDA, EPA & others all clear on the false claim that 5G is unsafe:https://t.co/uuF3fs2bDc pic.twitter.com/1hXyV4lE6c

— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) March 16, 2020

The crazies are out again.
"Soon ALL will be coerced to volunteer/ be ordered, to have vaccinations to counter the so-called corona virus.
Such vaccines will contain, apart from the usual mega dose of mercury, ‘other agents’ that can be readily activated by 5G technology."

— Dr Karl (@DoctorKarl) April 1, 2020

It's thought the conspiracy theories gained traction after a YouTube video, filmed at a US health conference, showed a presentation by Dr Thomas Cowan who claimed that Africa was not as affected by the coronavirus outbreak because it is "not a 5G region".

It's understood Facebook is marking 5G misinformation claims as "false information” but other platforms are still carrying the conspiracy theories.

"There is no established evidence that low level radio wave exposure from 5G and other wireless telecommunications can affect the immune system or cause any other long term or short term health effects," independent federal government agency Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency said in a statement.

"A number of studies have investigated whether exposure to radio waves can affect the immune system. Some studies have shown that exposure to high power radio waves, much greater than the limits of the ARPANSA safety standard, increases the core body temperature, which can cause temporary effects on the immune system.

"Studies have also investigated whether low level radio wave exposure from telecommunications sources like 5G can impact the immune system. Such studies, including those that have investigated effects on antigens, antibodies and oxidative stress, have not provided evidence of changes in immune function."