Protecting Journalists During The Coronavirus Pandemic

The new coronavirus is the main news in the world. According to the latest figures from John Hopkins University & Medicine’s COVID-19 map, the virus has reached 100 countries and has infected more than 100,000 people, including more than 4,000 deaths. It is one of six global public health emergencies that the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared since 2009 when it warned about swine flu. It has already removed billions of dollars from the global economy, and according to Bloomberg, it could eventually cost the economy a total of $ 2.7 trillion.

Despite these figures and estimates, it is difficult to measure how far COVID-19 can spread and what its ultimate consequences may be. Journalists around the world face many challenges in covering the epidemic amidst all these uncertainties, while caring does not cause further panic in society. For example, they must combat disinformation and take into account the health risks of reporters working in the field.

Responsible reporting

Cardiff University journalism professor Karin Wahl-Jorgensen examined in her latest research how fear has played an important role in covering 100 world newspapers with the wide circulation of COVID-19: one in nine stories about the disease mentioned “fear” or related words, such as “scare.”

“Often, these stories used other scary expressions. For example, there were 50 articles that included the phrase ‘killer virus’”, explained by her.

How can this topic be covered in a deep and balanced way without spreading panic? According to Poynter’s Al Tompkins, an institute for journalism empowerment that is producing a daily newsletter on the subject, the solution is to report responsibly. Here are some summary suggestions:

1. Reduce the use of adjectives that are subjective, such as “fatal” disease.
2. Carefully use the photographs, so as not to spread the wrong message.
3. Explain the preventive actions, because that way, your piece could be less scary.
4. Remember that statistical stories are less intimidating than anecdotal ones. 
5. Avoid headlines to attract clicks and be creative in presenting content.

Name it

How should I name the outbreak? As of March 11, the WHO has called it a pandemic. Here are your reasons for cataloging it this way. CNN started using the term before the WHO declared it. Here they explained why. 

Words are important. According to the AP Style Manual, “the epidemic is the rapid spread of a disease within a certain population or region, and a pandemic is an epidemic that is spreading globally.” They suggest “using it very little and following the statements of public health officials.” You’ll find other tips in the AP Coronavirus Manual of Style.

Since the virus was unleashed, journalists have used different names for it. For example, “the coronavirus,” “a coronavirus,” “the new coronavirus.” “It is because this coronavirus is different from other coronaviruses that have generated their own epidemics or pandemics. Each one gets a name, and each one was new at some point,” reports Sarmad, the biggest news out in Kuwait. Do you want to know more about names? Read the WHO explanation of why viruses have different names.

Stay safe

Journalists cannot cover a story about the global outbreak of a disease from a self-imposed quarantine. We have to go out in the field, and there is a risk of infection. For reporters covering COVID-19, the Sarmad publishes detailed advice that addresses pre-reporter preparations, how to avoid infection in affected areas, and how to plan for travel, and what are the post-reporting care. Here is a summary of the most important tips for field coverage:

Wear protective gloves if you visit or work in an infected place, such as a medical facility. Other types of personal protective equipment may also be required, such as a full-length suit and a mask that covers the entire face.

Do not visit markets where fresh meat or fish are sold, or farms in an affected area. Avoid contact with animals (living and dead) and their surroundings. Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with animal droppings.

To stay up-to-date, follow the WHO portals.

There are also the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the UK’s Public Health England portal. 

We recommend consulting the COVID-19 map from John Hopkins University & Medicine and its coronavirus resource center.

Follow the government agencies in your country that are responsible for providing information about the outbreak.