Table 2.

COVID-19 pandemic–related misinformation topics.

Topic	Illustration	Example
Government response (Chinese-related)	Information related to traffic control, resumption of work and school, suspension of work and school, epidemic prevention measures, and others	It is said that after the disinfectant powder is sprayed over Wuhan today, patients with fever will be transported to designated hospitals.
Spread of the epidemic (Chinese-related)	Information related to the spread of the pandemic	The son-in-law of the Guanghan family came back from Wuhan for a few days. The family concealed their working address and went to play cards every day. He became ill today. The neighbors were very angry and went to smash his house.
Medical information (Chinese-related)	Information related to the virus itself, infection, prevention, treatment, disinfection, and other medical information	A doctor friend sent it. In response to this new type of coronavirus, the content of vitamin C (to fight the virus) and echinacea (to enhance immunity) can be used to prevent it.
Social issues and livelihood of people (Chinese-related)	Information related to celebrities, donation assistance, social aspects, and people’s livelihood	National level response! All rented houses, apartments, shops and factories will be rent-free for one month in February, and rent-free for half a month in March and April! I hope that all “landlords” will respond positively! Overcome the difficulties together
International issues	Information related to other countries’ response, online political rumors	Japan sent a 1,000-member medical team to Wuhan without masks and slogans.