The world is fixated with pinpointing the origins of the vastly spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) and one theory that has garnered a lot of steam on the internet has to do with advancements in 5G technology.
What is 5G technology?
The next revolution in cellular network connectivity will be brought on by 5G. A more in-depth explanation of 5G can be found at EMF Explained 2.0 but in short, the fifth generation of mobile networks will host faster connections and hold greater data capacity.
While some mobile carriers tease parts of the technology, at this time, it is not wholly available as a standalone network.
For now, it works in tandem with 4G LTE networks but in the next two years, things are expected to accelerate to a point where it can sustain demand independently.
How is it linked to coronavirus?
Conspiracy theorists have, for some rhyme or reason, found a link between the rollout of 5G in China and the coronavirus outbreak.
A Facebook post published by a user named Ben Mackie (see below) charges at the spread of 5G as the catalyst of coronavirus, a plan hatched by Bill Gates and other dark forces of the world to “depopulate us and keep [us] at a low vibrational state.”
To substantiate these claims, conspiracy theorists have pointed to the mass development of 5G network towers in Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus (COVID-19), as the cause of the outbreak.
Even Keri Hilson propagated the claims, suggesting that a region without 5G technology, like Africa, has been least affected by coronavirus.
Is there any truth to this claim?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other leading virologists have not yet conclusively found the origins of coronavirus. Although, it is believed to have come from a wet market in Wuhan.
While the claims of 5G can’t be placed outside the realm of possibility, it is likely that the claims aren’t factual, according to an independent fact-finding non-profit organisation in the United Kingdom (UK).
Based on Full Fact‘s findings, there is no evidence that suggests that 5G technology is harmful to humans.
“5G is the next generation of wireless network technology, following on from 4G. Like 4G, 3G and 2G before it, 5G mobile data is transmitted over radio waves—a small part of the whole electromagnetic spectrum (which includes microwaves, visible light and X-rays). These radio waves are non-ionising, meaning they don’t damage the DNA inside cells,” the NPO explained.
Facebook has since placed a watermark which reads “False information — Checked by independent fact-checkers” over the post, further casting doubts over the outlandish and brazen claims.
For accurate and trusted information on coronavirus, people are advised to follow WHO on social media or visit their information centre to stay abreast with updates on the outbreak.