Mixed Media Messaging
During this time of uncertainty the media is who the people turn to to understand what is happening around them, and how to feel about it. They are the buffer between our political and social leaders and help the public interpret what is going on. But how is the public supposed to feel (or understand) when the messaging keeps vacillating to frequently.
Here are 4 stories published within 24 hours of each other:
Cuomo on the Coronavirus:
"What we did is, we just closed everything down as quickly as we could. Shut all the doors, border all the windows. *There was no art to what we did, no nuance…* We’ll restart the economy with a smart public health strategy, because *closing the door on everyone was only because we didn’t know better,”* the governor said.
Misinformation causes fear and panic when differing instructions and testing criteria are being posted and used. I ask the CDC to please, consider that states and medical professionals need centralized leadership in this time.
Here is another example from Buzzfeed:
Another Example of Mixed Messages have come from Dr. Howard Zucker, NYS Health Commissioner:
Here he is in a video from February 7th, 2020:
Important points from this video:
Currently your risk is low
Health departments are working on testing
Hospitals are ready for anyone who needs help
Steps you can take:
Wash your hands with soap and water,
Avoid contact with ‘sick’ people,
Stay home if you are ‘sick’.
NY state is ready.
Update* March 12, 2020 video
Important Points from this video:
1. The spread of COVID-19 is a major public health challenge
2. Most of us can avoid illness by washing our hands often
3. Most of us can avoid illness by avoiding people who are 'sick'
4. The elderly and people with existing health conditions should also avoid crowded places and people who are 'ill'
5. NYS is working 24/7
6. Don't be mislead by rumors and false information
7. Please, stay well
Update* March 13, 2020 video
Important Points from this video:
1. Numbers of cases of COVID-19 are growing in NYS
2. Event spaces where people gather may need to be temporarily closed
3. NY's goals are to reduce cases to reduce hospitalizations which reduces deaths
4. Elderly and people with underlying health issues are the most vulnerable
5. NY is taking measures to protect the most vulnerable
6. NYS is working 24/7 to respond to
7. Stay informed!
Signs, Signs, COVID-19 Signs:
WHY are there so many different instructions for COVID-19?
Since the beginning of this crisis I have seen a great deal of differing information posted in doctor’s offices, hospitals, public transportation and otherwise.
Once I realized that information was different everywhere I went, I began to take pictures of signs and fliers in places like pharmacies and hospitals. These are in CT, where I am stationed currently for work as an RN Pediatric Admin for the medically fragile:
At CT Dr’s Office
The NYC MTA
At CVS pharmacy
Additionally, State Departments are using *Different COVID-19 Testing Criteria. According to NBC: Coronavirus testing: Information on COVID-19 tests according to state health departments, yet they have no instructions on when to go to ER/EMS, WHY not? The instructions say call your PCP first, but what if you don't have one?
