Coronavirus: CVS sent out dangerous false information to staff

TJ Crawford, vice president for external affairs at the company said they are undertaking an internal investigation

CVS sent out false and dangerous information to employees about coronavirus, a spokesperson for the company confirmed to CNN Business.

The email that was first reported by Mother Jones sent out dangerous information, advising on ways for staff to protect themselves from Covid-19.

One part of the email told staff that drinking warm water is an effective way to kill the virus.

"Drinking warm water is an effective way to wash the virus into your stomach, where it is killed. Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep," the email stated.

TJ Crawford, vice president for external affairs at CVS Health told CNN that he was unsure why the information was sent out and said it is "being addressed internally."

Mr Crawford added that the information was sent out as a mistake and that it was corrected via an internal memo and an email.

"We strive for accuracy in any communication. If a mistake is made we make a quick correction, as was the case here. At the risk of stating the obvious, employees should not rely on that suggestion," Mr Crawford said.

In the US more than 6000 cases of the disease and 94 deaths have been recorded so far.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.