Public health campaign launched to fight back against COVID-19 'Infodemic'

PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global health and hygiene company RB – makers of the popular Lysol brand of disinfectant products – has launched a new public health information campaign assessing and evaluating claims related to COVID-19.  The campaign is focused on correcting misinformation, challenging misperceptions and debunking common myths.

The new website - www.covid-19facts.com - has been developed as an educational resource in response to the significant global media attention on the spread of COVID-19 and what the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called an 'Infodemic'. The site provides authoritative and science-based comment on topics such as the transmission of the virus, misinformation about cures, methods to mitigate and protect.

The need to inform the public about the virus and the resulting 'Infodemic' is clear: a poll commissioned by Lysol found that 93 percent of people are concerned about the coronavirus outbreak and 67 percent confirmed they are handwashing more often.

As part of its commitment to scientific excellence, RB, whose household brands also include Mucinex, Durex, Finish, Air Wick and Enfamil, is using trusted expert sources from the Economist Intelligence Unit and public health experts to analyze the evidence for and against claims and, where applicable, call out unsubstantiated or incorrect information.

The launch of the website is one of a number of initiatives launched to support, educate and inform by RB and Lysol since the outbreak began, which includes a more than $6.5M donation of products and funds to relevant healthcare authorities and NGOs in China.

Commenting on the launch of the site, Dr. Bruce Charlesworth, Chief Medical Officer, Health and Hygiene at RB said: "As a company that exists to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world, we have a responsibility to counteract the myths and misinformation in the public domain. Our new site tackles prevalent but unsubstantiated myths and enables easy access to trusted information. Working together with public health experts, we can fightback against the 'Infodemic'."

Please visit www.covid-19Facts.com to find out more.

About RB

RB* is a leading global health, hygiene and home company inspired by a vision of the world where people are healthier and live better. Its purpose is to make a difference by giving people innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes.

Through its two business units, Health and Hygiene Home, RB has operations in over 60 countries and its products reach millions of people globally every day. Its trusted household brands include names such as Enfamil, Nutramigen, Mucinex, Delsym, Durex, K-Y, Clearasil, Airborne, Digestive Advantage, MegaRed, Move Free, Neuriva, Lysol, Finish, Woolite and Air Wick.

RB's drive to achieve, passion to outperform and commitment to quality and scientific excellence is manifested in the work of over 40,000 diverse, talented entrepreneurs worldwide.

For more information visit www.rb.com/US

*RB is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies

SOURCE RB