A professor at the University of Waterloo says misinformation about the coronavirus is spreading rapidly, even as public health experts say the risk of the virus itself remains low in Canada.

Geoffrey Fong is a professor of psychology, public health and health systems at UW.

He says misinformation is even contributing to racist acts directed at Chinese and greater Asian communities.

He spoke to the CBC's Julianne Hazelwood, guest-host of The Morning Edition on CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.