CoronaCheck #65
In this week's newsletter, we debunk claims that vaccinated people will be barred from flying because of blood-clot fears and investigate whether COVID-19 vaccines have been tested on animals.
We also fact check a "fact check" by Senator Matthew Canavan, and give our verdict on a claim from unlikely bedfellows Malcolm Turnbull and Kevin Rudd.
Airlines aren't banning vaccinated travellers
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce previously raised hackles with his
suggestions that proof of vaccination against COVID-19 could become a requirement for international travel. But new claims spreading online suggest it may actually be those who are vaccinated who will be barred from flying.
"I heard from someone who has contacts inside the [unnamed] airline and they are now discussing that the injected should not be allowed to fly," one Facebook post reads.
"Because the injection creates clots and bleeding and that is life threatening — when it happens at several thousand meters altitude. So the airlines do not want to risk being sued and have deaths on board."
Both Qantas and Virgin Australia confirmed to Fact Check that no such bans were being considered.
In an email, a spokeswoman for Qantas said the airline had "never said anything about not allowing vaccinated travellers onboard" and pointed Fact Check to a November 2020
media release outlining the airline's vaccination policy.
A spokesman for Virgin Australia told Fact Check that the airline would "continue to consider relevant government and health advice around vaccination", making "any decisions in line with passenger and crew health and safety".