Social media abhors a vacuum. When the government fails to publish detailed data on the coronavirus outbreak, the consequences are predictable. What data does exist is misinterpreted and misused; conspiracy theories multiply; “covidiots” make up their own science.
It is natural that the public is worried. Scenes from Italy are distressing; as are the media reports, however accurate, of the threat to all ages.
Yet the public can only put things into perspective if the government opens up the flow of information about the virus. Accurately estimating infection and mortality rates is difficult; yet the government must present them, with context. It appears the stages and severity of infection vary so much between individuals; all the more reason why the government should present precise information on the profile of those who have had the disease. The public’s understanding of public health may be poor, but the alternative is far worse.
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