How Communicators Can Help Inform the Public During the COVID-19 Crisis

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) blog PR(Say) recently shared some great information to guide communicators in helping inform the public during the COVID-19 Crisis. Below is an excerpt from this blog posting:

Crisis situations impact businesses, industries, associations and organizations of all sizes.

While the circumstances surrounding a crisis vary greatly, there are general best practices PR professionals should be prepared to deploy. Communicators should always advise a cautious, thoughtful and truthful strategy to address any crisis, and not employ strategies or tactics that flame hysteria. This is especially important during a public health concern.

Given the current global crisis as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), PR professionals are uniquely positioned to guide communications and offer resources to the public as they navigate a dearth of information.

The speed and level of misinformation and disinformation circulating in the public arena has reached “infodemic” levels. The result is too much information — sometimes inaccurate, and often in scientific terms or medical language that might be difficult to understand.  

PRSA and the PRSA Health Academy are taking action to involve members in addressing the communications challenges of the current crisis.

For more information on this topic and to read the full blog visit the PR(Say) Blog.