French government ficials had to remind its citizens that cocaine is not a preventative measure for the novel coronavirus. With France’s neighboring country recently taking major precautions, , the spread the life-threatening COVID-19 disease into their borders have become a growing concern for their citizens and ficial health advisors as well. The original rumor that cocaine was a cure for the coronavirus began as a part ill-advised information leak on the highly-popularized social media platform Facebook, which has had .   Spencer Platt/Getty s

According to Politifact, the Facebook post popped up on the internet on Jan. 30 and featured a photo the highly-addictive narcotic and a grammatically butchered banner headline that read “Cocaine kills coronavirus” and “Scientists is shocked to discover that this drug can fight the virus.” As per usual, the false information eventually made its way to different social media platforms and has influenced some French citizens that cocaine could actually be used to prevent from contracting COVID-19.  

Despite the post being flagged for spreading dangerously false information that could potentially affect the health millions people, the Ministry Social Affairs and Health in Paris, France had to make a statement to ensure the safety the country’s citizens. A Ministry ficial took to Twitter to announce in a short, concise statement that translates to:

“No, cocaine does NOT protect against COVID-19. It is an addictive drug that causes serious side effects and is harmful to people’s health.”

With major corporations and public event producers taking precautions against the coronavirus, we could have to watch our  and  until the disease is ficially contained. With , it is extremely reckless and dangerous for misinformation to be spread about COVID-19. Especially in regards to harmful drug use which could lead to further health complications in these already troubling times.