Vegetarians Did Not Contract Coronavirus, WHO Report: Fact Check

Story:

World Health Organization (WHO) has said in a Report Vegetarians haven’t Contracted Coronavirus
There hasn’t been a single confirmed patient of COVID-19 who is a vegetarian

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विश्व का एक भी शाकाहारी व्यक्ति कोरोना से ग्रस्त नहीं पाया गया : WHO की रिपोर्ट…

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Fact Check:

Various messages doing rounds online claim World Health Organization (WHO) has said in a report – Vegetarians did not Contract Coronavirus. They say there hasn’t been a single confirmed patient of COVID-19 in world who is a vegetarian. No, the claims are not true.

No WHO Report Saying Vegetarians Not Contracted Coronavirus

Yes, there are no credible reports suggesting WHO reported no vegetarian has contracted the deadly new strain of Coronavirus, COVID-19. As of this writing, WHO did not conduct tests based on the vegetarian or non-vegetarian status of COVID-19 patients. The concerns about eating non-vegetarian food began after the emergence of Coronavirus was initially attributed to seafood market in China’s Wuhan. At the time, scientists believed the Coronavirus transmitted from animals to people. Consequently, people hesitated buying meat and seafood. It also led to a huge drop in meat and fish markets worldwide.

What Experts Say

In March 2020, Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr Randeep Guleria clarified the rising concerns on eating non-vegetarian food. He said Coronavirus infection spreads mainly from person-to-person and consumption of non-vegetarian food or eggs does not cause it. However, as common healthcare precaution, he also said consumers should thoroughly wash all kinds of meat and cook it properly. Earlier, the World Health Organization did suggest some safety measures during buying, handling and eating non-vegetarian food:

“To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.”

So, the claims in circulation are hoaxes. However, it is wise to avoid consumption of raw or under-cooked animal products. Likewise, PETA warns raising animals for food in filthy and unhygienic conditions is a breeding ground for diseases. On the other hand, amid the global pandemic, it is also important to follow the safety precautions like washing hands regularly and wearing masks whenever necessary.