Highly – how high is high? Quantify the scope of impact. Affected – in what way? Covid-19 – what is it and during which timeframe? Step 3: Inspect the evidence using the latest reliable data GUIDE TO FACT-CHECKING AND INFORMATION VERIFICATION If the source provided you with evidence check if it applies to your country context and explore how the data was gathered and explain that to the readers. For example, If it was a study:- What methodology was used? When was the data gathered? – Ensure that it is still relevant. It is best to work with data from the last five years. Where there is none, use the latest available data. Can findings be generalised? - Do they apply to everyone or a certain group of people. Try to understand the scope of the research. Was it peer reviewed? - What do other experts say about the research? Step 4: Contact or approach experts There are some claims that are too technical or specialised. Seek the assistance of an expert in that particular field and get their ‘expert’ opinion on the matter. Ask whether the claim is correct based on their understanding of the subject area. Request for research-based evidence. Where possible first do your own research so that you get a sense of the subject on which a claim has been made. Always remember - If you do not understand something, always ask. Step 5: Set out the evidence After going through the first four steps, you should be able to lay out the evidence you have compiled so that your peers can understand whether a claim is true or false. 15