Kitchener-Waterloo·Audio

Coronavirus misinformation can spread like a disease, says Waterloo prof

Public health experts say the risk of coronavirus to Canadians remains low. But a professor at the University of Waterloo is concerned that misinformation about the virus is spreading.

Warns it is contributing to racism against Asian communities

Geoffrey Fong warns that misinformation about the coronavirus is contributing to acts of racism targeting members of the Chinese and greater Asian communities. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

A professor at the University of Waterloo says misinformation about the coronavirus is spreading rapidly, even as public health experts say the risk of the virus itself remains low in Canada. 

Geoffrey Fong is a professor of psychology, public health and health systems at UW. 

He says misinformation is even contributing to racist acts directed at Chinese and greater Asian communities. 

He spoke to the CBC's Julianne Hazelwood, guest-host of The Morning Edition on CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.