In this episode, Brady and Mark explore the unique challenges and opportunities that COVID-19 has presented for public health communications following the World Health Organization's May 5th 2023 announcement that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency.
As the pandemic continues to impact communities around the world, effective situational crisis communications have never been more important. From providing clear and accurate information to demonstrating empathy and understanding, public health agencies and governments have faced a range of communication challenges in responding to the pandemic.
Looking at the crisis communications best practices that have been particularly relevant and effective in COVID-19 public health communications, we delve into topics such as transparency, consistency, empathy, two-way communication, flexibility, and collaboration, and examine real-world examples of how these practices have been applied in different contexts. Could Public Health Agencies done more to show evidence, convince the public and counter false claims about vaccines? What structural changes to media, to the flow of information, even to the WHO would be required to increase efficacy and trust?
Other topics covered this episode include:
Tucker Carlson's termination from Fox News (and Don Lemon's from CNN)
The Coronation of King Charles, and a continuation of our ongoing discussions about the Royal Family's communications in the wake of Prince Harry and Megan Markle's ‘revelations'.
Articles:
WHO Announces COVID Emergency over:
Ontario context:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/public-health-ontario-new-science-advisory-table-1.6570146