COVID-19 conspiracy theories are “compromising” efforts to fight the virus and pose a risk to public health, new research released today suggests. 

Researchers at King’s College London found that people who believe in conspiracy theories surrounding the virus are less likely to comply with lockdown measures. 

The research comes amid mounting concern over the spread of misinformation about the virus on social media. 

One of the most recent theories is that the 5G network — the next generation of wireless technology — is propelling the spread of Covid-19. 

The unfounded claims have gained traction across the world and are believed to be behind recent attacks on 5G masts across Britain. 

Now researchers claim these theories could even be compromising the fight against Covid-19. 

The research was conducted by asking almost 1,000 people how strongly they believed in three different conspiracy theories surrounding the virus.  

The statements put forward to participants were: 

• The virus that causes Covid-19 was probably created in a laboratory 

• The symptoms of Covid-19 seem to be connected to 5G mobile network radiation

• The pandemic was planned by certain pharmaceutical corporations and government agencies.

They were then asked how much they agreed with three further statements to measure compliance to lockdown measures. 

Researchers found that 37 per cent of people who believed the 5G conspiracy theory also thought that there was “no good reason” to stay at home. 

Those who considered the statements to be true were also less likely to report that they were staying at home, maintaining two metres distance and washing their hands for more than 20 seconds. 

Researcher Daniel Allington said: “These findings show that the conspiracy fantasies currently circulating on social media are likely to present a major public health risk, potentially compromising our ability to fight against the pandemic.”

The Centre for Countering Digital Hate, which published the report, warned that misinformation around Covid-19 should be taken seriously. 

“Covid-19-related conspiracies have been treated like a bit of a laugh, but the reality is that the cost will be paid in lives, just as anti-vaccine conspiracies have led to terrible suffering and death with the resurgence of once-eradicated diseases,” saidCEO Imran Ahmed. 

He added that it was “deeply concerning” that social media giants were “still refusing to act on their promises and put public safety above profits.”

Culture Secretary Olive Dowden ordered social media companies to crack down on sites disseminating Covid-19 conspiracy theories last week after a number of 5G masts were set on fire.